Workers’ representatives have proposed a $10 increase to the current factory workers minimum wage for 2026, while the representatives of employers have suggested the current rate, $208 per month, be maintained.
The National Minimum Wage Council met earlier today, September 3.
Following the meeting, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training issued a statement detailing the latest outcome of talks, which will determine the minimum wage for the garment, textile, footwear and travel goods manufacturing sectors for 2026.
“The workers’ representatives proposed a $10 increase on the current $208, while employer representatives suggested keeping the current rate unchanged,” noted the ministry.
Discussions about the wage have been held 11 times in total so far this year. There have been two tripartite meetings, three bipartite meetings, three internal meetings of worker’s representatives, and three internal meetings of employer’s representatives.
All parties are presenting their reasoning and explaining their positions in a professional and mature manner, noted the ministry.
The council will hold the next tripartite meeting on September 10, according to the schedule agreed upon in an August 20 notice.
Workers’ wages increased by $4 in 2025, from $204 in 2024 to $208. Earlier today, the IMF tipped a moderate inflationary rise, to about 2.8 per cent.
