The new minimum wage

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,
When the rule regarding the new minimum wage came into existence, I was a bit sceptical regarding enforcement.
Well, I should not have worried. The news has it that the Labour Ministry has already been successful in the prosecution of many employers who have flouted various labour laws. This enabled it to recoup large sums for workers who were cheated.
This is a very important move. It sends a strong message.
So I too join in cautioning employers to ensure that their employees benefit from the recently set minimum wage, which takes effect from July 1.
The issue here that readily comes to mind is that of exposing those employers who are going to shortchange employees. These employers may very well victimise employees who tell on them. This can be done via using fewer employees, but working the retained group in a more stringent manner.
How can we determine expectations of employees? These employers can also bargain with some employees who are desperate – they can agree to work secretly, that is, with no kind of record. This will mean that employers flouting the law will leave no paper trail.
Like I said, it is great move to make the minimum wage phenomenon a reality, at least prioritising it.
However, the few complications I have mentioned must be looked at.
Recently, I have been reading about a possible hike in bus tariff for night operators. This kind of thinking should be across board then. There are many shift workers, who still do not get a night premium. In fact, some of them agree to forfeit it, all because of desperation.
If bus operators want an increase in the fare, then it stands to reason that commuters must get a raise in pay. Where will they get the extra money? I find it strange that bus operators are asking for a hike in fare, but they manifest evidence of really making it big. They have fancy rims and sophisticated music systems. Are these needed in the transportation industry?
Guyana has a lot of lofty principles and regulations. However, it is enforcement that is needed. There must be a secret way to check on the employer-employee situation.
The same goes for bus operators – they must be stopped from discriminating.
I reiterate that if they want the increase, then they must up the ante in their quality of service.
Yours truly,
Gary Sinclair

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