Bank union wants $20 minimum wage

At least one prominent trade union in Trinidad and Tobago is still insisting on a $20 an hour minimum wage.

Vincent Cabrera, President of the Bankers, Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU) told the Trinidad Guardian his union still stands behind its demand for $20 an hour minimum wage although some other unions have backed away from it.

Cabrera told the paper official statistics show that inflation has climbed to more than 14 per cent, which makes it difficult for workers to survive on the current $9 an hour minimum.

Cabrera noted that the figure has not changed in six years and workers cannot keep pace with the increase in the cost of living with such a low wage.

He said the Government should not look at proving what he called a “living wage” that ensures all workers can financially keep pace with rising costs.

He also said he hopes that the government would introduce a Fair Price Commission to ensure that consumers are not exploited. Such a commission, he said, would monitor inflation and make sure market rates are fair.

He is also hoping to see government investment in comprehensive and inclusive social infrastructure such as health care, social services, education and especially the development of the agricultural sector.

He said it would make sense for the government to use the lands of the former sugar company for agricultural development instead of housing.