House approves orders for minimum wage increases
TWO Orders that will increase the national minimum wage and the minimum wage for industrial security guards were approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
These are the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Order, 2024, and the Minimum Wage Industrial Security Guards (Amendment) Order, 2024.
They were piloted by Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles, Jr.
The proposed increases, effective June 1, 2024, will see the national minimum wage moving from $13,000 to $15,000 per 40-hour work week.
The minimum wage for industrial security guards will increase from $14,000 to $15,000 per 40-hour work week.
Providing further details on the proposed national minimum wage increase, Minister Charles said the single-time rate is to move from $325 to $375 per hour for work done during any period not exceeding 40 hours in any week.
He further informed the House that the time-and-a-half rate is to be increased from $487.50 to $562.50 per hour for work done in excess of 40 hours in any week, and double time is to move from $650 to $750 per hour for work done during any period on a rest day or on a public holiday.
In relation to the minimum wage for industrial security guards, the single-time rate is to increase from $350 to $375 per hour for work done during any period not exceeding 40 hours in any week.
Charles pointed out that the timeand-a-half rate is to move from $525 to $562.50 per hour for work done in excess of 40 hours in any week; and double time is to be increased from $700 to $750 per hour for work done during any period on a rest day or public holiday.
He said the wage increase for industrial security guards applies solely to the basic rate.
“As such, this increase does not currently encompass any adjustments to allowances and insurance benefits. Subsequently, the prevailing rates will remain,” the minister said.
Laundry allowance will remain at $52.38 per hour, firearm premium allowance at $57.15 per hour, dog handler’s premium allowance at $39.29 per hour, and life insurance coverage with double indemnity protection and dismemberment coverage at $3,273,000.
Charles reiterated that the minimum wage stands as a minimum basic standard and urged all employers, particularly those with the means to do so, to offer their workers compensation that exceeds the minimum threshold, while applauding those already doing so.
“We should all be aware of the challenges faced by the workforce and demonstrate a resolve in creating a decent working environment and offer support to advance the sustainable development and productivity of our labour force,” he stated.
The minister reiterated the commitment to upholding the principle of fairness, fostering economic stability, and promoting the well-being of all stakeholders within the local labour force.
In welcoming the increase, Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign and Regional Affairs Dr Angela Brown Burke called for greater stakeholder dialogue.
The Minimum Wage Act stands as a pillar of Jamaica’s labour legislation framework and serves as the Parliament’s acknowledgment of the pivotal role workers play in societal progress.
Enacted in 1938, the legislation underscores the Government’s commitment to safeguard workers from substandard earnings.
The National Minimum Wage Orders set a wage for all sectors, including domestic workers, while the Minimum Wage (Industrial Security Guards) Orders are used to fix a wage for persons employed as security guards to organisations providing industrial security services.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles, Jr addresses the House of Representatives on Tuesday.