Ministry of Labour & Social Security
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Minister of Labour Announces New National Minumum Wages
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KINGSTON (JIS):
Friday, May 01, 2009
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| Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles |
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, today (Thursday April 30) announced that effective Monday May 11, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will be increased by ten per cent.
The increase will move the NMW from the current $3,700 to $4,070.00 per forty (40) hour week.
Effective Monday June 1, industrial security guards will also see a 10 per cent increase in their wages for a forty-hour work week. Their wages will move from $5, 500 to $6, 050.
Minister Charles also announced that the security guards' Laundry Allowance will be increased from $25.00 per hour to $27.50 per hour; Fire Arm Allowance will be increased from $27.50 per hour to $30.25 per hour; while Dog Handlers Premium Allowance will be increased from $18.50 per hour to $20.35 per hour.
Last year January, the Government granted an increase of 16.4 per cent on the minimum wages to workers.
Mr. Charles, who made the announcement in the House of Representatives, said that a major challenge in determining the new rates was the extent to which they will increase the purchasing power and raise the standards of living of the workers, while making it affordable for employers and avoiding job losses.
"In this context, the Government had to consider carefully the implications of adjusting the minimum wages. While we seek to raise the living standards of the minimum wage earners, we have a responsibility to prevent any adverse impact on employment," he explained.
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