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With only two days before a new wage order comes into effect, the Fiji Employers Federation has expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding its implementation.
The Wages Council had anticipated gazetting the new Wages Regulation Order this month before it came into effect on February 1.
But, the FEF and its members are still awaiting the official notice.
“It should have been gazetted in the two weeks notice period for employers,” FEF president Ken Roberts said.
“Maybe the Government is preparing, I don’t know, to announce a small postponement.”
Roberts said the FEF was also not clear on the timing of the implementation of the new wage order saying it could be gazetted during the 14 days notice period beginning on February 1.
“There is a lot of confusion out there and only Government can give the answers,” he added.
Attempts to obtain comments from Wages Council chairman Father Kevin Barr was unsuccessful as he is away overseas.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Indigenous Business Council has expressed its disagreement on the timing of the implementation of the new wage order.
The Wages Council had approved wage rate increases in nine different industries.
FIBC President Ulai Taoi said the increase in wage rates at a time when the economy was struggling would lead to job losses and dampen plans by businesses to expand.
