By JYOTI PRATIBHA Scores of low-income workers yesterday got good news from the Prime Minister: Pay rises. Increases for close to 250 Airports Fiji Limited staff were announced by Commodore

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

Scores of low-income workers yesterday got good news from the Prime Minister: Pay rises.

Increases for close to 250 Airports Fiji Limited staff were announced by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama during a visit to Nadi International Airport.

Those who will benefit cover a broad range of categories and include baggage handlers, fire officers, security officers, plumbers, painters, carpenters and drivers.

Most earn less than $15,000 a year and many earn less than $10,000 a year.

They’ll each get different pay rises depending on their personal circumstances, with baggage handlers receiving more than $2000 a year and some technical officers getting $8,000 increases.

The Prime Minister said there had been a growing gap at Airports Fiji Limited between the salaries of executive staff and ordinary workers.

“This is a question of basic fairness. It does nothing for the morale in any organisation when some people are seen to benefit more than others,” Commodore Bainimarama said,

“My Government was determined to rectify that.”

Minister for Public Enterprises and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who accompanied the Prime Minister, said: “A lot of negative comments have been made against the Bainimarama Government in respect of labour relations, which is just a lot of hot air.

“The practical reality shows us that in terms of the changes that has been made in terms of labour relations, the beneficiaries of these changes are ordinary men and women of Fiji- the ordinary Fijians are benefitting and they will continue to benefit.

The increases come after a review of the wages of airport workers by an independent consultant, the Hays Group.

Commodore Bainimarama wished the employees an early Merry Christmas, adding that they were expected to work hard.

AFL’s expectations:

The Acting Chairman of Airports Fiji Limited, Faiz Khan, said the pay rises would cost the company $725,000 a year but it was money well spent.

Mr Khan reminded the employees that while the company saw the pay rise as an investment in their staff, there were some expectations as well.

Mr Khan said: “Each workers of the AFL whether he or she be a cleaner, baggage handler, security officer or chief executive officer plays an important role in the overall performance of AFL.

“Each must likewise contribute with vigor and honesty irrespective of what their job descriptions are. In essence, the company through this initiative has put the ball firmly into your court to say now it is your turn- improve your game, tow your lines and show us what you can do for the company.”

He stressed that the company would do its part but the employees will have to do their part as there is no room for mediocrity.

The first new pay will be next Wednesday.

Single mother rejoices:

Salaseini Andrews, a single-parent mother for four children, was emotional when the pay rise was announced.

“I am the only person earning a living at home and this will really assist me in looking after my children.

“We had been asking for a pay rise and now that we have got it, I just wish to thank the Prime Minister and God for this wonderful gift,” Ms Andrews said.

She said that the extra money would be needed when her children have to do the back to school shopping next year.