A series of consultations will precede the implementation of a Minimum Wage in Saint Lucia.
Minister for Labour the Honourable Dr. Virginina Albert-Poyotte, who recently presided over
a meeting of the Minimum Wage Commission this month, says she is pleased with the level of dedication demonstrated by the stakeholders towards fulfilling its mandate in a timely manner.
“And at this stage they have what you call a preliminary report. But that report has to be examined by Cabinet and the prime minister. Subsequent to that we will have to engage stakeholders and other persons especially the trade unions, workers in different sectors and the employers so they understand the implication of a minimum wage.”
She explained that the Commission will preside over the consultative process which will involve both employers and workers.
Minister Albert- Poyotte noted that the Government of Saint Lucia wants to ensure that peaceful labour relations prevail, as this delicate initiative is being piloted to successful fruition.
“The presence of a minimum wage is to ensure that there is the protection of workers as well as satisfying the interest of the employer to create industrial peace in the country. So we want to minimize conflicts and we want to ensure that employees get what we refer to as a decent wage, for the work that they would have done in order to support themselves, their families and to stimulate economic growth. We want people to be happy in the workplace.”
Minister Poyotte also reminded employers that they too are part of the contract of happiness in the workplace; as they accordingly deserve commensurate returns from their employees, in exchange for fair day’s pay.
SOURCE: Ministry of the Public Service, Home Affairs, Labour & Gender Affairs
A move in the right direction, hope it comes to fruition.
Its about time that a decent minimum or livable wage is enacted . We are a developing country and we need to have international standards as it relates to labour if we are to remain competitive.. There are thousands of private sector workers who earn 2 to 5 EC dollars an hour working for hotels, security companies, banks, gas stations supermarkets construction, warehouses ,factories. How can they provide housing, healthcare,education and out food on the table for such low wages …
Have we ever stop and think what would happen when the government implement minimum wage?
I’m not against it but a lot of us will be out of work,especially in places like the Syrians stores, how much money do they make in a day?
A lot of young ladies who are both parents to their children will be jobless…
I would love to see minimum wage go up to $15.00 per hour..
It’s was time we hve a fairs day work for a fair pay. Especially the foreign security companies. Making millions and paying peanuts, sending all their back to their homeland. When workers ask them raise the always saying u all hve no minimum wage. There’s a security company In The north not paying over time, for years now and staff working 12hours also hve longserving staff of 13yearsgetting 8oo- 18oo a month, I make more u hve to work u *** out, don’t talk about their arm guards $8 an hour. The always doing appraisals an nothing comes out of it. Only in st lucia security is treated like dirt. In other caribean countries security company pay 10 12 and $15 an hour. I only hope worker get a decent wage.
Rangers Security french Guyane française is paying locals two thousand five hundred,and airports security is getting four thousand and more plus double pay at year end….
May God’s grace and favor be accorded to every employees,not man’s will but God’s Will
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