Deputy Opposition Leader Lauofo Fonotoe Meti taking the floor on the budget debate in Parliament on Tuesday.
By Staff Writer
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) allocation of funds to cover a new salary increase for Government workers has raised questions whether the private sector is entitled too.
The HRPP opposition deputy leader, Lauofo Fonotoe Meti, picked up on the ACC funding, during the budget debate on Tuesday.
“An allocation from the ACC is budgeted to cover the new salary increase for the public sector and I am wondering if the private sector is entitled too if they want,” Lauofo pondered.
“The one tala deducted from salaries and wages as contributions to the ACC fund applies to both the public and private sectors,” he reminded.
He noted that the private sector refers mainly to companies and businesses but it also includes service workers in private teaching and church work.
Lauofo insisted that, with their contributions, the private sector should have the same right as the public sector to ACC funds for salary and wage increases.
New salary increases of one percent for CEOs are being proposed, too percent for ACEOs and Principle Officers while 3 percent is earmarked for the rest.
The HRPP deputy leader suggests the private sector is allowed the choice to draw from the ACC fund as well.
‘Maybe Government should consider an increase in the minimum wage to try and meet the increase in the cost of living.”
Lauofo is in full support of new salary raises to try and meet the current price increases.
There were several instances, however, where he questions the criteria involved to account for the notable differences in the increases.
He noted the disparity from 5 up to 20 or 30 percent that needs clarification as well.