Minimum wage increase to kick in on June 1

Workers earning the national minimum wage in Barbados will see an increase from $8.50 to $10.50 per hour starting June 1.

Minister of Labour Colin Jordan made the announcement during the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) annual May Day Family Fun Day at Pool Woods, St John, stating that the relevant order has already been drafted and will also include a similar percentage increase for the sectoral minimum wage for security officers.

“It is our intention that on June 1…the national minimum wage will be increased, so that those at the very bottom—those who work hard, but are at the bottom of the earning level—will have an opportunity to have their wages raised to a level that allows them to keep paying with raising prices,” Jordan said.

The increase comes amid growing concerns about the cost of living and the ability of low-income earners to meet daily expenses.

Jordan also referenced several other labour-related initiatives, including the upcoming implementation of paternity leave and the extension of maternity leave, both of which are also scheduled to take effect on June 1.

The minister told the audience of union members and the wider public that the BWU had already secured paternity leave in a number of companies before the government moved to make it standard across the board.
Under the new provisions, maternity leave will be extended from 12 to 14 weeks for single births and up to 17 weeks for multiple births.

He also touched on efforts to improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, noting that over 90 per cent remain unemployed.
Jordan said the Job Start Plus programme, introduced in this year’s budget, will provide training to individuals with disabilities up to age 34 to help make them more employable.

“We believe that people with disabilities ought to have the opportunity to have decent work, to live, to earn, to support themselves and to support their families,” he said.

Jordan further revealed that the government, in partnership with employers and trade unions, is working with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to develop a Decent Work Country Programme. The programme, which is still being finalised, aims to improve labour protections and workplace standards across the island.

“You’ll be hearing more about that soon,” the minister said, noting that it is expected to be rolled out around the middle of the year.

Jordan used the occasion to reaffirm the Mottley-led administration’s commitment to ensuring that workers are treated fairly and have access to the protections and benefits that allow them to be productive.

“Protection and production go together,” he told the gathering.

The May Day event formed part of the BWU’s Labour Day activities and was held in St John this year under the We Gatherin’ banner, the first event of the national celebration within the parish.