Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

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

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Minimum wage-fixing machinery. The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s report, in particular the adoption of the most recent Shop Wages Council Order, which took effect on 5 April 2012, and which sets the new minimum weekly (250BBD, approximately US$125), daily (50BBD, approximately US$25) and hourly (6.25BBD, approximately US$3.10) rates for shop assistants. The Committee also notes the Government’s explanations that, at present, the Shop Wages Council is the only wage-fixing body operating in accordance with the provisions of the Wages Council Act (Chapter 362) the Wages Council (Wages Regulation) (Shops) Order 1958 and fixing minimum pay rates for approximately 20,000 shop assistants. Moreover, the Committee notes the Government’s statement that legislation is currently being drafted to establish a Minimum Wages Board which would have a wider mandate to make recommendations regarding the rate of wages to be paid to various categories of workers, which may well include domestic workers.

In this connection, the Committee recalls its previous comment in which it noted the observations of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) concerning the need to readjust the minimum wage for domestic workers that remains unchanged for over 20 years and the lack of appropriate supervision due to privacy issues. In its reply, the Government makes reference to section 5(3) of the new Employment Rights Act, 2012, which strengthens the inspection of labour conditions for domestic workers by empowering the Chief Labour Officer to carry out inspections of any premises or place in which he has reasonable cause to believe that any person may be employed. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any progress made with regard to the establishment of a Minimum Wages Board and the possible determination of a national minimum wage. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on any further developments concerning the minimum wage coverage of domestic workers, especially in the light of the relevant provisions of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189).