The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

AN increase in the national minimum wage is not up for consideration at the time, Finance Minister Michael Halkitis said yesterday.

Mr Halkitis said to his knowledge consultation with the private sector over a possible increase had not started.

His statements came after Labour Minister Shane Gibson said in June that the government will consider proposals for a “much-needed” national minimum wage increase by the end of this year.

Mr Halkitis spoke after officials signed a five-year industrial agreement between the government and the Bahamas Public Service Union that mandates a minimum wage increase for public servants.

When asked by The Tribune whether the raise has opened the door for a national increase, Mr Halkitis said: “No, that matter is not before the government at this time, no.”

The proposed minimum wage increase has been met with mixed reactions since Mr Gibson’s announcement in June.

The minimum wage for the public sector is currently $210 per week and $150 per week or $4 per hour for private sector employees.

According to Tribune Business, Super Value’s owner Rupert Roberts said he would be in favour of raising the weekly rate by 33 per cent to $200.

Mr Roberts added that he would adjust salaries at the lower end of the supermarket chain’s pay scale accordingly.

Others, such as Phil Lightbourne at Phil’s Food Services, have also backed a minimum wage increase.

However, Robert Myers, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chairman, expressed concern that such a rise would spark pressure for similar salary increases throughout the economy – especially in union-dominated sectors.