Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter

The Jamaica Household Workers Association and trade union representatives are welcoming recent amendments to the Minimum Wage Act.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved significant increases to the penalties for persons who do not comply with the minimum wage law.

Among other things, the fine for employers who refuse to pay their workers the correct minimum wage, has moved from $100 to $100,000.

On Monday, Shirley Pryce, president of the Jamaica Household Workers Association, told The Gleaner that the association was very grateful for the adjustments to the fines. Vincent Morrison, president of the National Workers Union, said that he was in support of the increases to the fines.

Better late than never

"It is a shame to know that a number of people flatly refuse to pay the minimum wage and we believe that the changes, in terms of the fines, are perhaps a bit late in coming, but better late than never," he said.

Derrick Kellier, Minister of Labour and Social Security, who piloted the bill last week, had said that the amendments were being made to the act to align the fines and penalties with current economic realities.

The minister told the House that while many employers had been complying with the provisions of the Minimum Wage Act, others were in breach by paying their workers less than the minimum wage.

"It is also clear that the fines under the act are outdated and as such, do not serve as effective deterrent," he pointed out.

Morrison, however, raised concerns that the Labour Ministry was not fully equipped to ensure compliance. He said the ministry needed to increase its staff not only in this area but also in respect of workplace safety.

"I don't think the ministry has the adequate staff out there to deal with it. Not only policing the minimum wage but things like factory inspections," he said. "We have a lot of accidents at the factories and we believe that if we had enough inspections by the ministry these would be avoided."

Morrison also wants audits to be done at least once per annum at each workplace.

However, Minister Kellier insisted that staffing was not a problem at the ministry.

"As it stands, the branch is fairly well staffed. We have 18 inspectors, one in each parish (while the others are located at the head office)," he said. "But if the need arises, we will certainly look into ensuring that we put enough people on the road to protect the vulnerable."