The Labour Department is currently working to have a number of proposals made into law as it seeks to amend the Shop Act, says Chief Labour Officer Vincent Burnett.
Transport, security and a raise in the minimum wage for shop assistants are among the proposals still awaiting legislation.
Burnett, speaking during a panel discussion organized by the gender equity committee of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) in association with Union Network International yesterday at Solidarity House, Harmony Hall, St Michael, the minimum wage for shop assistants was last changed in December 2004.
“The wage council had made recommendations for a wage increase and that was sent to the minister but it so happened that recommendation want at a time where we were all experiencing the economic turmoil and nothing was done at that particular time,” he said.
“I am not sure when we will get out of this crisis but I personally feel that it is time that the minimum wage for shop assistants is increased.”
The theme for the discussion was Safeguarding Vulnerable Workers: Empowerment Through Education.
