By Eliza Kukutu
WAGES SETTING WORKSHOP GROUP PHOTO
By Agnes Menanopo
The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), has commenced a three-day workshop on Minimum Wage Setting for government agencies, private sector representatives, and employers at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.
The workshop aims to strengthen national capacity in setting and reviewing minimum wages and serves as a crucial tool for informed policymaking.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour & Immigration, Hon. Harry Kuma highlighted the workshop as an important opportunity to strengthen national processes and ensure wage-setting mechanisms remain fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of both workers and employers.
“We are not here only to discuss a rate; we are here to build a better system—a system that uses data, listens to the views of workers and employers, considers affordability and compliance, and supports a predictable review process,” Minister Kuma said.
Speaking to SIBC News, ILO Regional Wages Specialist Xavier Estupinan said wages are central to the ILO’s mandate of promoting social justice and decent work. He said the workshop would help strengthen institutions responsible for setting minimum wages and support evidence-based policymaking through the use of reliable data and information.
Estupinan noted that Solomon Islands’ minimum wage was last reviewed and set in August 2019, highlighting the need for a review to ensure wage policies remain relevant to current economic conditions.
“Many workers may be facing greater financial pressure as the cost of living has increased. However, it is also important to understand how minimum wages are set, while balancing economic factors.
“This is what we want to strengthen through this workshop, enabling positive outcomes not only in the final decision but also in the process itself,” Estupinan said.
The workshop brings together key stakeholders from government, employers’ organizations, and the private sector to discuss wage-setting principles, compliance requirements, and international best practices.
Outcomes from the discussions are expected to contribute to future reviews of the national minimum wage framework, helping to balance workers’ welfare with economic growth and business sustainability in Solomon Islands.
ENDS//
