Solomon Islands Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Employment has refuted a claim by the Chairman of the Manufacturer's Association this week over a lack of consultations before the Government decided to increase the legal minimum wage.
John Vollrath claimed that the Manufacturers Association was never consulted about the increase.
But the ministry says a comprehensive consultation to review the minimum wage began in 2006 and consultations were held with relevant stakeholders.
Last Wednesday cabinet decided to increase the local minimum wage from $1.50 to $4.00 in all sectors and $1.20 to $3.20 in the Agriculture and Fisheries sectors.
The increase will be effective from May 1.
