Labour Minister Errol Mc Leod told the House of Representatives Thursday night that the government will move the minimum wage in Trinidad and Tobago from $9 an hour to $12.50 an hour.
Speaking in the budget debate, McLeod made it clear that the People's Partnership never promised a $20 minimum wage. He added that cabinet has agreed to reconstitute the minimum wage board, which will continue to review the situation.
"In the meantime and consistent with our decent work program that we are still developing and consistent with our manifesto promise, a Minimum Wages Order will soon come to this House...the minimum wage will be increased from $72 a day to $100 a day," McLeod said.
The minister said the minimum wage is a "very delicate issue", and it is not one where a number could "just be pulled out of a hat".
The former labour leader reminded legislators that unions have signed collective agreements with employers, some negotiating for $16 and $18 an hour.
He pointed out that it was a UNC government that moved the minimum wage up tio $7 an in 1998. The PNM, he said, moved it to $9 an hour in 2005 although it had promised to make it $10 an hour.
Speaking in the budget debate, McLeod made it clear that the People's Partnership never promised a $20 minimum wage. He added that cabinet has agreed to reconstitute the minimum wage board, which will continue to review the situation.
"In the meantime and consistent with our decent work program that we are still developing and consistent with our manifesto promise, a Minimum Wages Order will soon come to this House...the minimum wage will be increased from $72 a day to $100 a day," McLeod said.
The minister said the minimum wage is a "very delicate issue", and it is not one where a number could "just be pulled out of a hat".
The former labour leader reminded legislators that unions have signed collective agreements with employers, some negotiating for $16 and $18 an hour.
He pointed out that it was a UNC government that moved the minimum wage up tio $7 an in 1998. The PNM, he said, moved it to $9 an hour in 2005 although it had promised to make it $10 an hour.
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