Adjustments to be made to Minimum Wage Rates

There are indications that adjustments will be made to the minimum wage rates during the course of the current legislative year.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, in her contribution to the 2012/13 Budget Debate in Gordon House, on June 5, announced that Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, has been asked to direct the Minimum Wage Commission to conduct a review of the existing rates, with a view to “making an adjustment during the course of this year."

Noting that the Government "values immensely", the contribution of the Jamaican labour force to nation building, Mrs. Simpson Miller assured that “we will do everything in our power to secure their well-being."

“We are aware that the purchasing power of minimum wage workers, such as domestic workers, store clerks and security guards, has been reduced. This has implications for the standard of living of the workers at this level,” the Prime Minister pointed out.

In this regard, she advised that Mr. Kellier will provide further details on the matter, during his contribution in the Sectoral Debate, which follows the Budget Debate.

By Douglas McIntosh, JIS Reporter