Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26) - Barbados (Ratification: 1967)

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Minimum wage fixing machinery. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes with interest that the Wages Councils (Wages Regulation) (Shop Assistants) Order, 2004 (S.I. 2004, No. 155), has introduced a single rate for shop assistants (200 Barbadian dollars (BDS) per week) thus removing the discriminatory age differential. It also notes the information concerning the evolution of collectively agreed minimum wage rates for workers in the sugar industry in the period 2003–08.

With relation to the review of the existing minimum wage rate for domestic workers, which remains unchanged for over 20 years, the Committee notes the comments of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Association of Barbados (CTUSAB), dated 19 June 2008, according to which the minimum wage payable to domestic workers needs to be increased in order to reflect changes in the cost of living as well as market conditions. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that, even though domestic workers are currently paid market prevailing rates which by far exceed the existing statutory rates, it is committed to addressing this matter in consultation with the social partners, and also that consideration is given to the possibility of establishing a Minimum Wages Board responsible for making recommendations to the Minister of Labour with respect to any group of workers which would need minimum wage protection. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any progress made with regard to the readjustment of the minimum wage for domestic workers and the possible establishment of a Minimum Wages Board.