Samoa's First Union says it has received notification of what appear to be several child labour cases in Apia in its first three weeks of operation.
Fugalei Market, Apia Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The union's coordinator, Jerome Mika, says the cases involve children working as street vendors in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Mr Mika says child labour is unacceptable, and is reminding parents and employers that it's illegal under both Samoan and international law.
He says the government has made progress in domestic legislation such as disallowing children under 15 years to work during school hours.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour has been urged to ensure that child labour is monitored, and offenders prosecuted.
Mr Mika says the government must also give urgency to its new bill which will crack down on child labour.
