Home » Posts » ‘Timing’ debate rages, but Bajans back minimum wage

‘Timing’ debate rages, but Bajans back minimum wage

by Barbados Today
3 min read
A+A-
Reset

The clock ticks down to Thursday’s introduction of a hike in the national minimum wage amid continuing debate surrounding its timing.

The head of the Barbados Private Sector Association Edward Clarke has suggested that the business community cannot countenance paying higher wages amid a decline in economic activity linked to the coronavirus emergency.

“I think we all agree that the wages at the lower end of the scale need to be addressed,” he said. “We know in Barbados the cost of living is very high and it is very difficult for people to make ends meet unless it’s $6.25 an hour…But one thing we need to ensure is that there is no corresponding ripple effect because the country cannot withstand further increased costs with reducing revenue and no increased productivity.

But Minister of Labour Colin Jordan declared there would be no delay and that the minimum wage will take effect from April 1st.

The question of timing has dominated public debate as well, as many weigh the weakening of the economy against the parlous state of finances of families hit hard by the pandemic’s economic fallout of layoffs, reduced hours and pay cuts.

An informal on-the-street survey by  Barbados TODAY found sympathy, yet overwhelming support for the introduction of a national minimum wage at $8.50 an hour, rising to $9.25 for security guards – the very group whose pay dispute with a security firm prompted the Prime Minister to intervene, setting the policy and a date in stone.

When asked about the concerns about timing one woman told Barbados TODAY: “When is the right time? Employers are making money and there is never a right time to raise and now they are blaming COVID.”

Declaring her full support of the increase she said: “It should be increased some more; that is what think about it because it is long overdue.”

For some, a pay floor of just over eight dollars an hour was still too low and should instead approach what they consider a living wage.

“The 8.50 is still too low they could give them the 10 dollars and done,” one woman said. “Some of these companies does put on late fees when you are late [paying bills]. They could afford to give them the 10 dollars an hour because everything gone up.”

But there has also been ambivalence with sympathy for both sides of the employer-employee divide. “It is overdue,” one man told Barbados TODAY, “although with what is going on now I could see why the businesses would be concerned I don’t know what the percentage of people who are getting a minimum wage is but something has to be done.”

Weighing both sides, Glenworth Joseph said: “That’s quite overdue for many people because people are suffering just trying to live day by day and week by week on a little pittance; however, in these times it so stressful for someone who is trying to keep afloat in a business so its a rock and hard place.”

He reasoned: “If the businesses are able to keep the minimum wage and wages they might be able to keep people employed but if they increase they may have to fire some individuals and these individuals are now on the breadline.

“It’s a very hard call but at some point, Government needs to do that because individuals need to improve their standard of living.”

(kobiebroomes@barbadostoday.bb)

You may also like

About Us

Barbados Today logos white-14

The (Barbados) Today Inc. is a privately owned, dynamic and innovative Media Production Company.

Useful Links

Get Our News

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

Barbados Today logos white-14

The (Barbados) Today Inc. is a privately owned, dynamic and innovative Media Production Company.

BT Lifestyle

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Accept Privacy Policy

-
00:00
00:00
Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00