18 Feb 2009

American Samoa's Congressman says further wage study is important

12:05 pm on 18 February 2009

American Samoa's Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, believes there is benefit to be had from further study of the impact of the minimum wage increases.

Last week, the US Senate passed an amendment to the stimulus bill requiring a further investigation of the outcome of past and pending wage hikes in American Samoa and the Northern Marianas.

American Samoa's Chamber of Commerce says there have been enough studies and it's now time for action, calling for a halt to pending wages increases.

But Faleomavaega says past studies have not looked at the effects of the increases on the lives of workers.

"It's just making sure that the business community profits but at the same time we want to make sure that the working people receive the benefit necessary to provide for the needs of their families and their community."

American Samoa's Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin.