Poyotte has moved to dispel rumors surrounding the upcoming implementation of a new minimum wage come August 1st.

Contrary to speculation, the Minister assures the public that all workers will benefit from the new minimum wage, which will be calculated based on a standard hourly rate.

“The minimum wage will just speak to what we call the hourly rate that persons are supposed to work for. No matter what department or where you work, nobody is supposed to work below those hourly rates. And when you calculate it for the month, it will tell you what the minimum wage is. So this is what will come out when we talk about minimum wage,” she said.

The Minister says the Minimum Wage Commission has used calculations suggested by the International Labour Organisation to develop the proposed minimum wage.

She says the Commission has met with employers and all stakeholders to develop an hourly rate which it thinks is reflective of the needs of Saint Lucians.

“It's not practical to work out a minimum wage for every single sector. But the government is saying that when somebody earns a salary at the end of the month, it's not supposed to be less than that once you have worked throughout the month.”

Prime Minister Pierre first made the declaration of a livable minimum wage during his Policy Address on April 23rd.