4 Aug 2009

Bill in American Samoa seeks to delay next wage hike

11:00 am on 4 August 2009

In American Samoa a new provision in the Senate Appropriations Bill has been introduced to delay the next 50 cent increase in the local minimum wage from May to September next year.

Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye has informed Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin of the move and says the delay would allow Congress time to review the General Accountability Office report on the impact of the wage increases.

The provision was introduced at committee level and will be taken up by the full Senate in the next few months.

Congressman Faleomavaega says the amendment falls in line with an understanding he's had with the chairman of the labor committee in the house that the next 50 cent increase would be put on hold until the Congress has reviewed the General Accountability Office report.

The congressman noted that Governor Togiola Tulafono and a delegation of Fono and traditional leaders were in Washington D.C. this week to present a petition asking the president to reverse the previous wage increases.