Hamilton moves to finalise proposed increase of private sector minimum wage

Joseph Hamilton
Joseph Hamilton

Discussions on a proposal to increase the minimum wage in the private sector from $44,200 to $60,000 per month are likely to recommence in the new week, Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton said yesterday as he noted that his ministry is pushing for the 2019 proposal to be finalised and accepted.

At his first press conference, which was held virtually, Hamilton said that discussion with the National Tripartite Committee (NTC), which comprises representatives from the private sector, the labour movement and the government had arrived at a “gentleman’s agreement” but for some reason discussions were stalled.

Hamilton noted that he has since instructed Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle to convene a meeting urgently for further discussion on the proposal.

“I have instructed the Chief Labour Officer to have that meeting reconvened, so that the proposal they have on the table about raising (the) minimum wage in the private sector, could be dealt with and implemented,” he added.

However, while the minister is optimistic of the proposal being accepted and implemented, he said the impacts of COVID-19 will have to be discussed as some businesses may not be able to commit to the new minimum wage.

“The COVID-19 impact on the private sector, we will have to discuss it and see how best we can keep the agreement they had since 2019,” Hamilton said.

With effect from the January 1, 2017, the following pay structure was agreed to for employees in the private sector. Minimum Hourly Rate ($255); Minimum Daily Rate ($2,040); Minimum Weekly Rate ($10,200); and Minimum Monthly Rate ($44,200).

The minimum rate of pay for private sector employees was increased from two hundred and two dollars ($202) per hour to two hundred and fifty-five dollars ($255) per hour following a recommendation by the NTC in 2016.