An agreement was signed on Friday that would see workers in certain categories of employment in the private sector benefit from a minimum wage increase from June.
Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul said the increases, which will be effective from June 1, 2012 and received the approval of Cabinet, were made possible after a four-year hiatus in discussions among the ministry, tripartite representatives and the Minimum Wages Sub-Committee.
Workers expected to benefit are watchmen, those at petroleum stations, in the hospitality sector, mechanical transportation sectors, printers, saw mill factories, timber grants, grocery, hardware, dry goods and drug stores and contract employees, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
Government will also be moving to establish a National Minimum Wage, which will see every worker, countrywide, benefiting from a minimum wage increase by 2013, the release added.
“There are some that are still outside of these categories and we are hoping to do better next year, as we will move to a national position, thus eliminating the certain category of workers. I want to thank the colleagues for being able to complete this task in a very short time as they have played an important role in this effort,” Gopaul said. He also commended the collective effort among businesses and labour representatives and the government to reach consensus on the issue.
Consultant Advisor for the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries Ltd (CAGI) Samuel Jerry Goolsarran, who represented the private sector, lauded the move. President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Norris Witter was also pleased and noted that the Union will work with government in the future to have the increase brought to an acceptable level.
President of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) Carvil Duncan pointed out that the increase is minimum and the union anticipates a better one next year. He also praised the zeal demonstrated by the new labour minister since he took office.
According to GINA, similar increases were approved four years ago after consultation with the tripartite body at the ministry, including government, the private sector, and organised labour.
