10 April 2019, Apia Samoa. The Samoa Chamber of Commerce has issued a formal statement to state their position on NPFs proposed increase to the compulsory superannuation deduction from 7% to 10%.
The statement sent by Samoa Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Ula-Fruean urges Government to reconsider the proposed increases, requesting more time to gauge the views of and assess the impacts on their employers.
Chamber President says, “We feel this particular proposal has not been widely consulted and notified to Chamber and its employer members.”
The statement reads:
“Samoa Chamber of Commerce, as the national private sector organisation of Samoa are the official representatives of employers in all areas of industrial employment relation matters.
The decision by NPF to increase contributions from the current 7% to 10% staggered over the next 3 years has not been fully consulted with private sector employers.
We are requesting the Government allows the private sector time to properly consult with all employer base organisations that includes large industry organisations such as Samoa Hotel Association; Women in Business Development Incorporated (WIBDI), Business of Salafai Association (BOSA) and Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME)
Samoa Chamber is now gathering feedback from 415 members and members of the private sector community for their feedback. We are the voice of businesses and employers, and we will advocate for our members’ position through their feedback.
We will be in a better position to formulate a formal position as representatives of employers in Samoa, after our consultations with our members.
Chamber highly values the relationship we have nurtured and shared with Government over the years as a partner of sustainable social development and economic growth and would like to continue to see this partnership on all major changes that impact on businesses and employers.
We feel this particular proposal has not been widely consulted and notified to Chamber and its employer member.”
