The Samoan delegation proudly take part in a ceremony with the Director-General of the ILO, Gilbert F. Houngbo, as they ratify ILO Conventions C187 and C190.
Samoa First Union (SFU), the only union representing workers in Samoa’s private sector, has had an exceptional year. Despite being a small union representing workers in retail, supermarkets, hotels, hospitality, fisheries, and seasonal workers deployed to Australia and New Zealand, SFU’s impact over the past 12 months has been significant, securing victories for workers that will benefit future generations. Here are some key highlights:
Wage increases
Samoa’s private sector has long been marked by low wages, but workers recently achieved a significant win. After years of advocacy, the Samoa First Union (SFU), in its key role within the Samoan Workers’ Congress (SWC), helped secure changes to Samoa’s Labour Employment Relations Act (LERA), introducing regular minimum wage reviews.
On 1 July 2024, Samoa’s new national minimum wage policy took effect, leading to the first tripartite review. Thanks to strong advocacy from SFU, the minimum wage for private sector workers rose by 30%—from $3.00 tālā ($1.66 AUD) to $4.00 tālā ($2.22 AUD) per hour. A further increase of $0.84 tālā ($0.47 AUD) is set for July 1, 2025, raising the rate to $4.84 tālā ($2.68 AUD).
This milestone will help workers better cope with the rising cost of living, marking a significant step towards fairer pay in Samoa.
Support for Seasonal Workers
The Samoa First Union (SFU) provides vital support to Samoan workers employed under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) schemes in Australia and New Zealand. Their culturally sensitive approach to union education and organising ensures workers are supported every step of the way.
SFU assists workers through the following:
- Pre-departure briefings to prepare them for overseas work.
- Connections with unions abroad for ongoing support.
- Help with superannuation and entitlements when they return to Samoa.
Over the past year, SFU has supported thousands of seasonal workers, leveraging their expertise and strong ties with Australian and New Zealand unions. SFU also advocates for policy reforms to improve worker conditions nationally via the Tripartite system and regionally through the Pacific Islands Council of Trade Unions (PICTU).
SFU’s Saina Tomi Setu representing workers as part of Samoa’s delegation to the International Labour Conference 2024.
On the global stage
In June 2024, SFU Senior Organiser Saina Tomi Setu represented Samoa at the 112th International Labour Conference in Geneva. Samoa ratified two key ILO Conventions:
- C187 on occupational safety and health.
- C190 on violence and harassment in the workplace.
Samoa is now one of only five Asia-Pacific countries to ratify C190, marking a historic step towards addressing workplace violence and harassment. This win follows years of union-led campaigning and consultations through the Samoa National Tripartite Forum, which will develop a national program to enshrine Samoa’s commitment to worker’s rights and safety.
In October 2024, Samoa made history as the first Pacific Island nation to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), bringing together leaders from 56 countries. SFU played a crucial role in ensuring workers’ voices were heard, highlighting the issue of gender-based workplace violence. SFU’s Lead Organiser, Saina Tomi Setu, called on the 38 Commonwealth countries yet to ratify Convention 190 to follow Samoa’s lead.
At a CHOGM roundtable organised by the Commonwealth Trade Union Group (CTUG), Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined union leaders to discuss seasonal worker issues such as superannuation, working conditions, and the brain drain. Strengthening union networks remains essential to protecting seasonal workers’ rights across the region.
SFU greets Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on behalf of the Commonwealth Trade Union Group.