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31st July 2012
Labour Code Tomorrow
Micah George

As Saint Lucians get set to embrace the much discussed Labour Code, which comes into force tomorrow, nothing is being said about a minimum wage figure.

No figure is being brandished around although there has been discussion on figures ranging from $500 - $700.

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development and Labour will today have a symbolic ceremony to commemorate the commencement of the Labour Act (2006).

While the Labour Act comes into force on Wednesday, August 1, 2012, the ceremony takes place on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the CDF Conference Room, Barnard Hill, Castries (next to the National Cultural Centre).

The programme will feature addresses by the Permanent Secretary for Labour, the Minister for Labour and the Acting Prime Minister, Hon Philip J. Pierre.

The programme will end with a presentation of the Labour Act to the Trade Union Federation, National Workers’ Union and the Saint Lucia Employers’ Federation.

How long will Saint Lucians wait before a minimum wage is enacted is not known. Also not known is the length of time it will take, after the Code is enacted, to act on what is within the Code to come up with a minimum wage figure.

What is known is that the Code makes provision for proposing a minimum wage.

According to the Code the Minister (Labour) may, by Order published in the Gazette, fix a minimum wage for workers generally or any class of employees in a particular industry or undertaking.
 
 

But before this happens a Minimum and Equal Wages Commission must be established. Members of this Commission must be appointed by the cabinet of Ministers. The Commission shall advise and make recommendations to the Minister on all matters relating to the fixing of a minimum wage, the determination of equal remuneration for work of equal value and terms and conditions of employment for all employees.

The Code notes that in considering a proposed minimum wage or other terms and conditions of service the Commission shall consider the general level of wages in Saint Lucia and the cost of living in Saint Lucia; contributions payable and benefits provided under a system of national insurance established under any enactment and other economic factors, including the requirements of economic development, levels of productivity, the desirability of attaining and maintaining high levels of employment and the desirability of attracting and maintaining foreign investment.

The Code further notes that the Minister may accept the recommendation or advice of the Commission either fully or in part, or may reject the recommendation.

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