Minimum Wage Rates Effective March 1

Recently announced increases in the National Minimum Wage and the Minimum Wage for Industrial Security Guards will come into effect tomorrow (Tuesday, March 1, 2016).

The National Minimum Wage will be increased from $5,600 to $6,200 per 40 hour work week. Arising from this, the new hourly rate for the National Minimum Wage is $155; the Time and Half rate is $232.50, and the Double Time rate will be increased to $310.

The Minimum Wage for Industrial Security Guards will be increased from $204.97 per hour for a 40 hour work week (single-time rate) or $8,198 weekly to $221.35 per hour for a 40 hour work week or $8,854 weekly.

For Security Guards, the Time and a Half rate will be increased to $332.03 while the Double Time rate is now $442.70.

ALLOWANCES FOR INDUSTRIAL SECURITY GUARDS

The Laundry Allowance for Industrial Security Guards will be increased from $37.30 per hour to $40.30 per hour.

Firearm Premium Allowance will move from $41.00 per hour to $44.30 per hour, while the Dog Handler’s Premium Allowance will be increased from $27.58 per hour to $29.80 per hour.

The insurance coverage payable on account of security guards who are killed or injured in the line of duty will also be increased from $2,000.000 to $2,500,000.

The Minimum Wage is recommended by the Minimum Wage Advisory Commission, following general consultations as provided for under the Minimum Wage Act. The amount represents the minimum rates for groups of wage earners who do not have the bargaining power to negotiate for fair wages.

The Advisory Commission is comprised of representatives of the Government, Trade Unions and Employers’ groups, and is mandated to review the rates annually. The National Minimum Wage was last increased in January 2014.