Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh says any future wage increases will need careful consideration.
On April 1, the national minimum wage rate increased from $4.50 to $5 an hour. The first tranche increase from $4 to $4.50 was enforced from August 1.
“We have just increased the wage rate,” he said.
Mr Singh raised this after he was asked whether there was any consideration for the wage rate to increase to $7 as there’s been an outcry from the public because of the rise in cost of goods.
“Another increase is not planned at the moment and will be looked at later.”
He said he was also aware of people worrying of cost of goods to further increase due to increase in tariff from the American government.
“As we speak, the American government has put on hold on increased tariffs for the next 90 days.”
According to Mr Singh, relevant ministries are now in negotiations and monitoring the situation.
“It is still developing and has not been finalised. We’ll have to wait and see what happens before making further decisions.”
The recent wage increase, he said, was introduced in two stages after consultations and recommendations from experts.
