Bajan union pressing for min-wage hike

The Barbados Workers' Union (BWU) yesterday called for an increase in the minimum wage, saying a weekly salary of BDS$200 (US$100) is insufficient to cope with current economic challenges.

BWU General Secretary Sir Roy Trotman, speaking on radio, urged the Fruendel Stuart government to take action on a recommendation for an increase in the minimum wage for shop assistants who are paid BDS$5 an hour.

"Persons who are at the bottom receiving that level of money, BDS$200 a week, usually have a household to take care of," he said, warning that any reduction in their working hours would also affect the communities in which they live, as well as the entire island.

The minimum wage was last revised five years ago and, at a news conference last week, Sir Roy said it could no longer be considered a fair or a decent wage.

"We need to have as a matter of urgency the government recognise that there is a recommendation from a tripartite body already on minimum wage for shop assistants," he said.

The recommendation is for a new wage floor of BDS$300 in 2010, increasing to BDS$315 in 2011.

- CMC