Goodman explains that many members of the organisation currently earn less than the proposed minimum wage amount and the prospects of a salary increase are favourable.

“We welcome any initiative that benefits our members. The pension increase, our pensioners are happy with it. The minimum wage, quite a few of our members are benefiting from the minimum wage because we have quite a few members who fell below the amount proposed and would be happy come October to have extra money in their pocket. So it was a really good initiative by the government and I'm happy that the government is listening,” she said.

Effective October 1st 2024, every worker in the country is entitled to no less than $6.50/hour, $52/daily or $1130/month. According to government statistics, 13,000 workers are expected to benefit from this minimum wage enactment. 

The President notes however the criticisms surrounding the wage figures, with some calling for a higher minimum wage.

Goodman says the Association is working towards the contentment of its members.

“While I understand that, my concern is my members. And my members are happy, I am happy. We are extremely happy for minimum wage, which benefits a lot of workers also in Saint Lucia,” she said.

Labour statistics estimate that some 13,000 Saint Lucian workers stand to benefit from this wage increase.