Minimum wage hearing ends in Milne Bay

The Minimum Wage reviews have ended in Milne Bay, chairperson Beverly Doiwa particularly happy with the coverage of views and submissions presented.

They concluded with an excursion to assess working conditions for particularly low-wage earners at the province’s largest employer, Milne Bay Oil Palm Estates.

Doiwa had at the start on Monday, urged for a wide coverage of views and Milne Bay did not disappoint.

On the big question and considering variables, Doiwa says a good number were for at a K5 raise from the current K3.50 per hour for minimum wage.

Meantime, she says the board has taken note of concerns while this policy is under review and will soon be in place, there must also be effective enforcement and policing.

The difficult task of the board after gauging nationwide views on minimum wage will be to recommend chat is fair for both workers and their employers given the high cost of goods and services and high cost of doing business too.

She is urging provinces yet to see hearings to ready realistic submissions to the board and to effect a change suited for this day and age.

They head to Daru and Kiunga next week.