Opposition slams govt over reduced minimum wage for interns, apprentices

The government’s decision to pay interns and apprentices less than the new minimum wage has sparked fierce criticism from the opposition, who argue that the policy unfairly targets young people and risks fuelling exploitation.

Senator Ryan Walters has strongly condemned the Cabinet-approved decision to pay young people only 85 per cent of the new rate.

On Thursday, Labour Minister Colin Jordan confirmed that ministers had accepted the Minimum Wage Board’s recommendation for an increase to $10.50 per hour for general workers and $11.43 per hour for security guards.

“We do not want employers to go the route of reducing hours of work,” Jordan cautioned during a post-Cabinet briefing. “I want to encourage employers to recognise the weight that workers have been bearing over the past three or four years.”

The minister also revealed that labour inspectors would be monitoring compliance, and encouraged employees with concerns to report them to the Labour Department.

But it was a specific provision for interns, apprentices and job attachments that drew a sharp rebuke from the opposition. Under the new policy, those engaged in such programmes will be paid 85 per cent of the new minimum wage, provided the engagement is part of a recognised training programme and does not exceed three months. Jordan explained that the clause was introduced to prevent the abuse of internship systems as a means of underpaying workers.

Senator  Walters was unimpressed.

“No — it does not make sense! Fair work for fair pay, regardless of age,” he told Barbados TODAY.

He stressed that he supported the increase in the minimum wage but took strong issue with the reduced rate for young people, arguing that many still bear significant financial burdens during training periods.

“This situation is deeply unfair to young people, and it appears to fall outside the protections typically afforded under current labour laws,” he said.

“Far too often, the realities faced by young workers are overlooked in the name of ‘training’ or ‘experience’. Yet many of our youth carry real financial burdens: they commute long distances at great personal cost and must cover the expense of lunch and other daily necessities out of their own pockets.”

He continued: “For some, the stakes are even higher. Many come from households in which parents may be unemployed or underemployed, and their contribution to family income is essential. These are not merely students seeking a line on their CV — they are individuals striving to survive and support those around them.”

While acknowledging the role of internships and apprenticeships in developing skills and enhancing employability, Walters argued that many young workers provide real value to businesses and deserve to be fairly paid.

“Failing to regulate and monitor such practices invites exploitation,” he warned. “It sends a message that young people’s time and labour are worth less, which is both unethical and demoralising. This approach breeds disillusionment, drives youth unemployment and underemployment, and undermines trust in the labour systems designed to protect workers’ rights.

“Ultimately, if we are serious about empowering our youth and building a sustainable, equitable workforce, fair pay and proper protections must be non-negotiable — regardless of age or experience level.” (SZB)