Fiji's Textile, Clothing and Footwear Council says the industry would not survive if there was a sudden rise in wage rates.
Photo: RNZ Pacific
Several political parties have pledged an increase in the $US1.25 minimum wage if they get into power in next month's election.
The council's president Michael Towler said the industry employs staff at varying wage levels and a sudden increase in wage rates would send a price shock throughout the entire industry, putting staff at all levels out of their jobs.
The industry employs 7000 people in Fiji.
The National Federation Party, which has proposed a phased increase in the minimum wage to $US2.30 an hour, has accused the council of scaremongering, according to FBC News.