The minimum salary or wage to any working person will be no less than EC$1,200 per month or no less than EC$60 per day according to SRO No. 42 of 2023, which was gazetted on 15 December.
The minimum wage currently focuses on the following workers:
- Industrial (garment industry)
- Clerical
- Security guards
- Domestic
- Sanitation
- Early Childhood
- Caregivers of the Elderly
- Workers in Bakeries
- Agricultural
- Construction
- Transportation (drivers and bus conductors)
- Helpers/Utility Workers
- Media
- Call Centre Employees
- Hospitality
The last time changes were made to the Minimum Wage Order was in 2011. However, the Employment Act recommends changes every 3 years. The new minimum wage recommendations were agreed to following a series of public consultations with employers and employees conducted by a Cabinet-appointed committee chaired by Dr Curlan Gilchrist.
Describing the decision by Government to increase the minimum wage as brave and historic, Joseph said, “This will no doubt help in poverty eradication and help in building a resilience and stable labour market.” She explained that the regulated amount is mainly for entry-level employees.
According to the minimum wage order, some employees will receive as high as 100% increase while others will receive less. For example, store clerks who currently receive EC$700 will receive EC$1,200. media workers, specifically announcers and reporters receiving EC$1,000 and under, will receive EC$1,400 per month or EC$375 per week.
Section 54 of the legislation states that an employer who pays less than the rate of wages prescribed in a minimum wage order commits an offence and shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding $5,000 on the first conviction and a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
The law further explains that where it is found that an employer paid less than the rate of wages prescribed in a Minimum Wages Order, the Court shall order the employer to pay to the employee or to the employees, the difference between the amount which should have been paid and the amount which was in fact paid and interest on that amount where appropriate.
