MINIMUM wage workers throughout the country are likely to get an increase in wages after Cabinet endorsement and gazettal.
The increase in minimum wages will also mean that millions of kina will be pumped into the local economy as most of the minimum wage workers spend money in local markers buying fish and food, trade stores and PMV’s. The Minimum Wages Board has concluded its deliberations and has handed down their determination which is now before the Industrial Registrar before it goes before the National Executive Council for endorsement and gazettal. The Post-Courier has received information from sources in the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations that the current rate of K2.29 per hour will be increased to K3.20 per hour that shall become effective from the date of the publication of the determination in the national gazette. The minimum wage, according to the determination, will increase to K3.36 an hour after 12 months and K3.50 an hour after two years. The determination also covers various allowances that will also be increased, with camping allowance increased to K1.31 per day, tool allowance to increase to K1.64 per week and heavy duty allowances will be paid 10 per cent of the national minimum wage. The determination of a minimum wage employee is defined as an unskilled worker aged 16 and over in formal employment in any industry sector located in either an urban or rural environment and or who may or may not be represented by an industrial organisation registered under the Industrial Organisations Act and if not so represented is considered incapable of entering into a collective bargaining process. The minimum wage workers included plantation workers, shop assistants, security guards, unskilled workers and others. The board has been conducting its hearing over the past 12 months where they got submissions from the private sector, industry, government and unions. Attempts to get comments from PNG Trade Union Congress general secretary John Paska was not successful as he is in Germany for world union meeting. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations were also tight lipped as the process has not been completed. PNG Facts/ Post Courier Comments are closed.
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