Dear Editor, The increase to the weekly wage expense will always be passed on to the customer.

The increased retail price negates the effects of the increase in the minimum wage. Also this affects wage parity as the base pay increases, adjustments have to be made up the scale. Because we have moved the bar for the minimum pay for the minimum skilled worker, the more skilled workers must be paid more to maintain fairness. So the cost is greater than just an adjustment to the employees on minimum wage. The raising of the minimum wage is a way to catch the employers that exploit their workers. I have seen first hand where employers are not paying for overtime, in cash or time in lieu.  Unfortunately, the good employers are penalised too. 

The minimum wage has to be set to maintain the basic living cost for the Cook Island citizen also allowing the employer the space to run a profitable business and reward employees on a performance and merit basis. 

Higher wages equals more PAYE revenue for the government. If the minimum wage is increased this must be met with a reduction in PAYE tax and ZERO to 5% PAYE for secondary employment so the hard workers are not penalised. This will really display the government's willingness to put more $$ in the citizens hand

Kia Maunia

Gus Meyer.