Dominica’s Labour Minister Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore announced that there will be changes in the Minimum Wage come September 1, 2021. The changes include and increase in the wage bracket for certain positions as well as the inclusion of some new positions.
He explained, “Agricultural workers and labourers in the agricultural sector from $4 per hour to $7.50 per hour. Daily paid workers and tourism workers from $4.50 per hour to $7.50 per hour. Juveniles/trainees from $3.60 per hour to $5.67 per hour. Cashiers and receptionists from $5.50 to $7.25 per hour. Sales persons from $5.50 per hour to $7.25 per hour. Shop assistants from $4.50 per hour to $6.75 per hour. Home assistants with meals from a $125 per week to $200 per week. Home assistants without meals $143.75 per week to $250 per week. Live-in home assistance from $142.50 per week to $220 per week”.
The Minister also outlined the new wage categories included. He said that this was done to ensure better treatment for workers who were previously among the most vulnerable workers but who were not covered by the Minimum Wage Order.
The new categories include: Cooks $7.25 per hour. Bartenders $7.24 per hours. Servers $7.24 per hour. Room attendants $7.24 per hour. Grounds men $7.24 per hour. Public area assistants $7.24 per hour. Vehicle drivers/messengers $7.50 per hour. Security guards $8 per hour. Other unskilled workers such as labourers in the construction industry and handy men $7.50 per hour.
Meanwhile, some persons feel that the increase was not enough while many employers see an inevitable backlash in that many businesses will have to downsize in what they refer to as a stagnant economy.
But Secretary General of the Dominica Public Service Union said that the wage increase was not done haphazardly. He said that he was part of the committee who made recommendations and while all recommendations were not implemented especially with regards to security guards, he stands by the changes made.
He said, “We can’t just sit and say that the Minimum Wage should be that or that or that. Alot of things have to be taken into consideration and the question of ability to pay must be part of the discussion, the state of the economy must be part of the discussion”.
Letang said that while the committee recommended that a review be done every three years, the DPSU is pleased that the Minimum Wage has been increased and that it is within a range that employers can afford to pay without having to let go staff or go out of business.
The Minimum Wage was previously reviewed in 2007.
