New Minimum Wage Boosts Pay for Low-Income Workers and Security Guards

New Minimum Wage Boosts Pay: Starting today, many low-income workers and security guards will get higher wages as the new national minimum wage takes effect. The House of Representatives approved two orders on April 23 to raise the national minimum wage and the wage for industrial security guards.

These orders, called the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Order, 2024, and the Minimum Wage Industrial Security Guards (Amendment) Order, 2024, were introduced by Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr.

The changes will increase the national minimum wage from $13,000 to $15,000 for a 40-hour work week. Industrial security guards will see their minimum wage go up from $14,000 to $15,000 for a 40-hour work week.

Details of the Wage Increase

Minister Charles Jr explained that the single-time rate will rise from $325 to $375 per hour for work done up to 40 hours in a week. The time-and-a-half rate will go up from $487.50 to $562.50 per hour for work over 40 hours in a week, and the double-time rate will increase from $650 to $750 per hour for work on rest days or public holidays.

For industrial security guards, the single-time rate will increase from $350 to $375 per hour for work done up to 40 hours in a week. The time-and-a-half rate will go up from $525 to $562.50 per hour for work over 40 hours in a week, and the double-time rate will rise from $700 to $750 per hour for work on rest days or public holidays.

Extra Details and Employer Encouragement

Charles Jr clarified that the wage increase for industrial security guards applies only to the basic rate and does not include changes to allowances and insurance benefits. Current rates for allowances, such as laundry ($52.38 per hour), firearm premium ($57.15 per hour), and dog handler’s premium ($39.29 per hour), remain the same, as does life insurance coverage with double indemnity protection and dismemberment coverage at $3,273,000.

The minister encouraged employers, especially those who can afford it, to pay more than the minimum wage and praised those who are already doing so. He stressed the importance of creating a good working environment and supporting the growth and productivity of the workforce.

Opposition’s Response

During the April 23 House session, Opposition spokeswoman on foreign and regional affairs, Dr. Angela Brown Burke, welcomed the increase but called for more discussions with all involved parties. The People’s National Party (PNP) criticized the decision to raise the minimum wage without consulting the Minimum Wage Advisory Commission or other stakeholders.

The PNP stressed the need for input from all parties to ensure the minimum wage reflects the cost of living and inflation. The party warned that without such input, political decisions might not meet the real needs of workers.

As the new wage rates start, the government emphasizes its commitment to fairness, economic stability, and the well-being of all workers in the country.

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