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Increase in the National Minimum Wage (PR 16 Mar. 2012) |
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The announcement in the House of Assembly during the 21012 Estimates Debate by the Hon. Esther Byer-Suckoo, that the Minimum Wage, has been increased from $200.00 to $250.00, can only be described as an initial step to address the plight of those vulnerable workers, who live below the poverty line.
The Congress of trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), continues to advocate for a minimum wage that bears relation to the existing cost of living.
As it stands, the current level of increase will do little to improve the spending power of the low level category of workers, since based on current trends in the market place, will continue to struggle to meet their basic needs.
CTUSAB proposed that in the short-term, Government commits to an annual review of the Minimum Wage. This would provide an opportunity for an adjustment to be made, which takes into consideration the factors of the cost of living index and the Gross Domestic Product.
DENNIS DE PEIZA
General Secretary
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