The momentum driving Government’s groundbreaking efforts to establish a national minimum wage for workers is crackling with energy and focus says the Chairperson of the Commission and veteran unionist Mr. Lawrence Poyotte.
The Commission met as recently as Friday, May 12, 2023 along with the Minister for Labour Dr. Virginia Albert -Poyotte, to articulate the progress already achieved and to harness the necessary support for moving ahead.
Mr. Poyotte noted that the Commission has been meeting since September 2022, on an average of twice a month.
He says although not at liberty to make any public disclosures, he can confirm that a scientific method is being used to arrive at the proposed minimum wage.
“We have made significant progress and we should be in a position to make a recommendation to the Minister.
“Basically we had a consultation with the Minister to see how we can strengthen the work of the Commission. We’re using a methodology that was developed by the OECD and ILO normally referred to as the Kaitz Formula.”
This term is also known as the Kaitz Ratio or Index, which is used by many countries to determine the median or minimum wage.
Mr. Poyotte explained that this formula could lead to a sound figure, once it is applied to locally available data.
The Minimum Wage Commission comprises a cross-section of representatives for employers, trade unions, and persons appointed by the Minister, on the advice of the Cabinet.
The Minimum Wage Commission is expected to remain functional even after the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a historic minimum wage for Saint Lucia.
Photo: Media Stock
