The House of Representatives in Jamaica has approved two motions that will increase the national minimum wage and the minimum wage for industrial security guards.
The motions, which fall under the Minimum Wage Act and were piloted by Labour and Social Security Minister Shahine Robinson, were the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Order, 2018, and the Minimum Wage Industrial Security Guards (Amendment) Order, 2018.
In June this year, Robinson announced a 12.9 per cent increase in the national minimum wage, from J$6,200 (US$46.71) to J$7,000 (US$52.73) per 40-hour work week. Additionally, security guards will receive J$9,700 (US$73.07), up from J$8,854 (US$66.70) per 40-hour work week, reflecting a 9.6 per cent increase.
Robinson said the new rates, which were approved by Cabinet, will take effect August 1, 2018.
She said laundry allowance for industrial security guards, firearm premium allowance, and dog handlers’ premium allowance will also be increased
