FITUG perplexed by ongoing delays to raise national minimum wage

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has once again called for the urgent revision of the country’s national minimum wage.

Over the last month, the issue of the minimum wage sparked protest and a debate among trade unionists, who want the government to address the minimum wage issue in the face of the rising cost of living.

Back in January, a tripartite committee agreed to have the national minimum wage increased from $44,200 to $60,000. But since then, there has been no movement to increase the minimum wage which has frustrated trade union leaders.

Over the weekend, President Ali commented on the issue and noted that there will be consultations before a decision is taken. However, FITUG said it is taken by the President’s position since the Ministry of Labour was involved in the January decision.

“We, therefore, remain perplexed that despite the unanimous support that the improvement of the NMW remains essentially stuck. We are convinced that the present NMW can hardly be seen as adequate. Even the Government through its recently launched part-time jobs programme has taken cognizance of this reality,” FITUG said.

Discussions on the increase of the national minimum wage started in 2020. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, many private businesses complained then that they were struggling to meet their overhead expenses.

The private sector had also called for the postponement of the increase given an inability of businesses to handle any increases to their expenditure.

FITUG today said it is seeking to play an active role in the consultations which are to be convened by the Labour Minister.

The Trade Union body said given the country’s massive economic expansion, there is a need to ensure that all Guyanese enjoy a decent standard of living.

The national private sector minimum wage has not been increased since 2017, when it was raised from an hourly rate of $202 to $255, taking the monthly salary from $35,000 to $44,200 for a 40-hour week.

On the other hand, the minimum wage for the public sector is currently $70,000.