Fono leaders in American Samoa intend to introduce during the special session of the Fono a resolution calling on Congress to delay the next 50 cent hike in the local minimum wage.
A federal law passed by Congress last year provides that the wages in American Samoa and the CNMI are to increase by 50 cents each year until the federal wage level of $7.25 is reached.
The next increase is due May 25.
the Senate President, Lolo Moliga, says the resolution to delay this was discussed at a meeting between himself, the House Speaker and the Governor Togiola Tulafono.
Lolo said that there's not much anyone can do at this point except put a request through to congressional leaders.
Lolo said the governor is also concerned that the government will have to fork out an additional $4 million in payroll expenditures to cover the new hikes that will affect employees.
