BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The Barbados Workers Union (BWU) yesterday called for an increase in the minimum wage in the country, saying that a weekly salary of BDS$200 (US$100) is insufficient to cope with the challenging economic times facing the island.

BWU general secretary Sir Roy Trotman, speaking on radio here, said that the Fruendel Stuart government needed to take action on a recommendation for an increase in the minimum wage for shop assistants who are paid five dollars (US$2.50) an hour.

“Persons who are at the bottom receiving that level of money, $200 a week, usually have a household to take care of,” he said, warning that any reduction in their working hours would also affect the communities in which they live as well as the entire island.

The minimum wage was last set five years ago and at a news conference last week, Sir Roy said this could no longer be considered “a fair or a decent wage”.

“We need to have as a matter of urgency the Government recognise that there is a recommendation from a tripartite body already on minimum wage for shop assistants,” he said.

The recommendation is for a minimum wage of BDS$300 (US$150) in 2010, increasing to BDS$315 (US$157.59) in 2011.