30 Oct 2014

American Samoa ponders low wages

3:21 pm on 30 October 2014

American Samoa's governor Lolo Moliga says if the Fono feels government employees on the low end of the pay scale should get more money, then lawmakers should raise the minimum wage.

Government workers have not received pay rises for four years, although the increments were included in the yearly budgets for departments.

At a cabinet meeting, Lolo said the issue of government pay was made complicated by the Fono talking about increments, which not all employees are entitled to.

The governor said he has tasked the treasurer and the directors of budget and human resources to report back to him regarding the salaries of those at the low level pay scale.

He says he wants to make sure these employees can afford to live.