Dionne Rose, Staff ReporterTHE JAMAICA Household Workers Association (JHWA) is batting for a 50 per cent increase in the National Minimum Wage, which is now being reviewed by the Minimum Wage Advisory Commission.
Shirley Pryce, president of the JHWA, said that the recommended increases of three per cent, 11 per cent and 14.1 per put forward by the Jamaica Employers Federation (JEF), the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and the unions, respectively, were "disrespectful".
The JEF had recommended an increase of $60 per week (three per cent) as they argued that many employers were unable to pay more. He said most employers of minimum wage-level workers were civil servants who would be restrained from meeting any sizeable increase in the national minimum wage by the freeze on pay increases over the next two years under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), on the other hand, is recommending an increase of 14.1 per cent or $280 per week. Meanwhile, the PIOJ is looking at an increase of 11 per cent.
COST OF LIVING
Ms Pryce complained that the cost of living had gone up and nothing less than a 50 per cent increase was acceptable. "Everything has gone up, especially for those who have children, have to pay rent and since the hurricane," she told The Gleaner in an interview.
If the wish of the JHWA is granted, the country would see the minimum wage moving from $2,000 to $3,000 per week. For Andrea Stewart, a householder worker this increase would more than help her economic status.
The mother of one related how difficult it was to live off a $2,000-a-week income. "It is very tough, we know how to budget and take out the basics," she said.
Typical grocery for Stewart comprises cornflakes, canned mackerel, which she said has to be substituted for proteins such as chicken, fish and beef, which she pointed out she cannot afford on a salary of $2,000. Along with sugar, flour, tin milk, and toiletries her grocery might come to $1,000 per week.
Lunch money for her son is $500 per week and her rent is $4,500 per month. Meanwhile, bus fare is $130 per day for Stewart. She told The Gleaner that in order to save money on bus fare she would walk from Half-Way Tree after leaving her workplace at Mona where she works to Maxfield Park where she lives.
"If I don't do that, I can't eat anything for the week. It is very hard on us," she explained. Stewart also has to cut costs by trimming her meals to one per day, which she said she eats before leaving work in the evening, just to make ends meet.
The three-member Commission, which met last month with stakeholders is to shortly make a submission to Labour and Social Security Minister, Horace Dalley for approval by Cabinet.
