Local News DLP bouquet for basic wage, brickbat for timing by Marlon Madden 09/02/2021 written by Marlon Madden 09/02/2021 3 min read A+A- Reset Share FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 167 Although welcoming the introduction of a national minimum wage, the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has knocked its timing. DLP Vice President Ryan Walters has suggested there could be more joblessness if the basic wage is implemented by the April 1 target date. Walters said: “The Democratic Labour Party unequivocally supports a national minimum wage. The DLP has always fought and will continue to fight to protect the working class within our society. But we are asking the government is the timing right? “While we agree with a wage increase, we would hate to see more hard-working, tax-paying citizens lose their jobs in this harsh economic environment. The Government cannot pave the way for more households to be without an income. The plain truth is that the state does not control the private sector and cannot say with any surety that this initiative wouldn’t have adverse implications for employment numbers if implemented on April 1 this year, in the middle of a pandemic that they have mismanaged. “The questions we have to ask are: Will more jobs be lost? Who will re-employ these persons on the breadline? Will the adversely affected persons qualify for unemployment benefits? Does NIS have the money to pay them?” The Labour Party administration is proposing a national minimum wage of $8.50 per hour and a minimum wage for security guards of $9.25 per hour. You Might Be Interested In Crystal Beckles-Holder, 2nd runner up in regional competition GUYANA: Body of child found after gold mine collapses Barbadians asked to help with return tickets for Haitians Objections to the proposed Minimum Wage Order should be sent no later than March 17 to the Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, stating the grounds for opposition, the nature of the interest in the matter and any suggestions for additions or amendments to the Order. With just about seven weeks to go before a minimum wage takes effect, Walters said the timing was “poor and is being advanced when most of the population is unemployed”. “The DLP advises the Government to turn its attention to the current affairs affecting citizens who are barely existing,” Walters declared. “What is the Government doing to create jobs for the jobless? Is assistance being offered to hotel workers who have not worked for almost a year or those who have worked but who are now on lay off again but do not qualify for unemployment benefits this time around?” Adding that Government was “not in tune” with what was happening on the ground, Walters accused Government of going on “a wild goose chase with minimum wage in a high unemployment environment while pertinent issues are left unaddressed”. “How is a minimum wage relevant if you’re not working? The DLP is urging the government to get its act together and address current and real societal issues,” said Walters. Pointing to “overwhelming cries for help” from residents at the Welfare Department, the DLP spokesman on business suggested that the Mia Mottley administration place the needs of residents as a top priority. Calling on Government to account for money budgeted for school feeding over the past year, Walters also said: “Wage negotiations can be tabled later. The focus of the Government at this time must be on financial support, creating jobs and feeding our nation. “There are promised programmes for job creation yet to get on the way. What is happening with our school meals programme? This should be functioning around the clock with a focus on feeding our children whose parents and guardians are unable to do so. Care packages will last less than a week in the majority of families. School meals service is required to supplement,” he said. (MM/PR) Marlon Madden You may also like BWU successfully negotiates benefits for KFC workers 14/02/2025 Anthony ‘Gabby’ Carter released on $10 000 bail 14/02/2025 Agrofest 2025 expands with more exhibitors, enhanced security 14/02/2025