American Samoa's Governor Togiola Tulafono says Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin is sending mixed messages to Congress regarding the territory's stance on the minimum wage law.
Both the governor and congressman support the delay of further wage increases and want the return of special industry committees that have set minimum wages for American Samoa in the past.
But Faleomavaega has publicly criticized these past industry committees which he says approved petty wage increases of a few cents for the workers.
He says if Congress should endorse American Samoa returning to the establishment of a special industry committee, the new group must base their decisions on concrete data, so minimum wages are commensurate with the reality of the territory's economic conditions.
The governor believes Faleomavaega's stance is counter productive and sends a mixed message to Congress that the territory has not made up its mind about the minimum wage issue.
