The Fiji Trade Unions Congress says the national minimum wage being introduced by the government is a joke, and will make no difference to workers in poverty.
Fiji's labour ministry has set the country's minimum wage at $US1.05 an hour, 17 cents less than the rate recommended by an independent consultant last year.
The ministry says a higher minimum wage would be too expensive for small businesses.
But the secretary general of the Trade Unions Congress, Felix Anthony, says the wage is insufficient and will see some workers continue to live below the poverty line.
"We demand that they be more serious in their efforts to address the question of poverty in this country, to address the question of a fair wage to workers in this country, and not play a joke on the people of Fiji."
Felix Anthony says many businesses in Fiji are doing very well and can afford to pay their employees more.
The new wage rate will come into effect on March the 1st.
