By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 14th December 2023)-After a near tenyear gap, dating back to November 2014 at $360, minimum wage in St. Kitts-Nevis is scheduled for a two-phase increase,
starting January 2024. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Terrance Drew during his Budget Address in Parliament on Wednesday 13th December 2023 announced that an increase in the minimum wage will be implemented effective 1st January 2024.
“It will be done in a phased approach. The hourly minimum wage will be increased from $9.00 per hour to $10.75 per hour effective 1st January 2024. The rate would then be increased to $12.50 per hour from 1st July 2025. The increase in the hourly rate would result in a weekly rate of $430.00 from 1st January 2024 and $500.00 per week from 1st July 2025.” PM Drew expressed: “Madam Speaker, I am elated to inform that they have those kind of rights so it’s very important that we could make them understand to join the Union and get them to better understand that it is very important that they have their rights because sometimes they would work for people and people wouldn’t pay them because sometimes they are illegal so people [employers] would work them hard and if they ain’t want pay them, they wouldn’t pay them; they would just tell them if you come to me I could carry you to immigration.” – LOCAL NEWS – Lauretta Joseph- “It is a good experience …because it allows me to be more transparent; well for me especially to come out of my comfort zone, and it allows me to face my fear which is good so at least I’ll be able to address issues on the job.
The workshops taught me how to approach management in addressing concerns that I may have. The training is good. I would encourage anyone to come …you won’t regret and you will enjoy coming.” Another training session is slated to take place on Saturday 27th January 2024.
Interested domestic workers are asked to contact the SKNT&LU office via info@sknunion. com, skntlu 1940@gmail. com or call 465-2229 or 661-2544. Front Banner Image: Domestic worker Lauretta Joseph-a housekeeper/maid (seen holding mic) shares her views during the workshop training session The virtual session was conducted at the Union’s Headquarters on Church Street in Basseterre, on Saturday 9th December 2023.
Another domestic worker Shirley Walter (right) looks on while President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU) Sydney Bridgewater listens to the discussions (Spokesman Snap) 3
(cont’d from page 03 this honourable house and the general public that the National Minimum Wage Advisory Committee has completed its work and the Government has accepted the recommendations for the increase in the minimum wage in St. Kitts and Nevis.” He pointed out that in just a few months after taking office, a National Minimum Wage Advisory Committee was commissioned to review the existing minimum wage and recommend an appropriate rate of increase.
