It was a productive first week of regular session by the new members of the Senate with six bills being introduced Tuesday, 10 on Wednesday and three more yesterday which include the Uniform Compensation bill passed on final and third reading by the delegates.
All measures have been passed on first reading which include proposals to increase the minimum wage in Palau to $3 for employees working in the hotel, motel , tourist, restaurant or other industries whose employees may customarily and regularly receive tips from direct and personal customer services.The bill said the minimum wage will not apply to businesses whose annual income is less than $100,000.Industries required to pay minimum wage is not obligated to pay for the employee’s travel, food, housing or other living expenses.Senate Bill 8-1 was introduced by Sen. Joel Toribiong.The other bills introduced during the first week of the Senate session are the measures limiting the interest rate and loan term offered by the National Development Bank of Palau from home buyers; Palaunet metering Act; Tax on export of fish; Energy reduction through Daylight Savings Act; to clarify the employer’s obligation to provide for return transportation of non-resident workers and to create a single visa fee for entry permit fees and environment protection fees.The Senate has not scheduled the next session but are now conducting public hearings for the presidential appointees.
