The minimum wage in Tahiti: what are the reference amounts?
Introduction
The Smic in Tahiti, also known as the smig, is the legal minimum wage in force in French Polynesia. It is a monthly salary that is applicable to all workers, including young people, apprentices and disabled workers. But what are the reference amounts for the minimum wage in Tahiti? And how is it calculated? We will answer these and other questions in this article.
The reference amounts for the minimum wage in Tahiti
The minimum wage in Tahiti has been set at 175,781 FCFA (1,473 euros) per month since January 1, 2021. It is reassessed according to the consumer price index each year. It should be noted that the wages of part-time workers or seasonal workers are calculated proportionally according to the hours worked.
How is the minimum wage calculated in Tahiti?
The minimum wage in Tahiti is calculated per hour of work. From January 1, 2021, the hourly minimum wage is set at 942 FCFP (7.90 euros). This means that a full-time worker, working 35 hours a week, will earn the monthly minimum wage of 175,781 FCFP (1,473 euros). However, seasonal or part-time workers will receive an amount proportional to their hours of work.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of minimum wage in Tahiti?
The minimum wage in Tahiti has advantages and disadvantages for workers and employers. Here are some of them:
Benefits:
– The minimum wage guarantees a minimum wage for all workers, which makes it possible to fight against poverty and the exploitation of workers.
– It serves as a reference for wage negotiations between employers and employees.
– It makes it possible to maintain a decent standard of living for workers.
Disadvantages:
– The minimum wage can be seen as a barrier to employment, as employers may find it difficult to hire new employees due to the high cost of labour.
– It may deter employers from investing in new equipment or technology due to the associated costs.
– The minimum wage can have an impact on the cost of housing or consumer products, as employers can raise prices to compensate for higher wage costs.
The other elements applicable to the minimum wage in Tahiti
Besides the Smic, there are other applicable elements such as pensions and overtime. Workers are entitled to pensions once they reach retirement age, but their amount is calculated on the basis of years of work and wages received.
Overtime is also subject to specific rules. Workers are entitled to a wage increase of up to 50% for the first overtime hours, and up to 100% for the following ones. It is important to note that overtime must be justified and authorized by the employer.
Finally, workers must also take into account the high cost of rent in Tahiti and the other islands of French Polynesia.
FAQ’s
Q: Is the minimum wage in Tahiti sufficient to meet basic needs?
AT: Although the Smic in Tahiti guarantees a decent minimum wage, it can be difficult to meet basic needs, such as housing, food and healthcare, due to the high cost of living.
Q: Are there differences between the Smic in Tahiti and the Smic in France?
AT: Yes, the amounts of the minimum wage in Tahiti are different from those of the minimum wage in France due to the difference in the cost of living and inflation indices.
Conclusion
The Smic in Tahiti is an important measure to guarantee a minimum wage for all workers. Workers have the right to a decent wage that enables them to maintain an acceptable standard of living. However, the high cost of living can make it difficult to meet basic needs, such as housing and food. It is important to follow the rules associated with minimum wage, such as overtime and pension rules, to ensure that workers receive the benefits to which they are entitled.