JAMAICA | Opposition dissatisfied with J$9,000 Minimum Wage

KINGSTON, Jamaica: The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Government’s recent announcement to increase the minimum wage to $9,000 despite calls from the Opposition to increase the minimum wage to $12,000.

Opposition Spokesperson on Labour and Social Security, Senator Floyd Morris, says that the increase announced by the Government to a mere $9,000, is inadequate. Senator Morris expressed that in Jamaica’s current economic climate and considering that the inflation rate is 9.6%, such an increase will not result in any significant benefit to the lives of those who it was intended for.  

Senator Morris highlighted that the announced minimum wage increase comes 4 years after the previous increase which was announced in 2018. “A liveable wage is required to address the situation, one which will bring persons living below the poverty line, above it. This increase is a disrespect to, and betrayal of the Jamaican people”, said Senator Morris.    

Senator Morris agrees with  the numerous calls by the Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding and Opposition Spokesperson on Finance Julian Robinson for the Government to increase the minimum wage to $12,000. 

He noted that Jamaica is signatory to the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO’s) Decent Work Agenda and as such should seek to truly honour that agenda by implementing a liveable wage.

-30-