MEMBERS of the public and organisations are being invited to participate in a series of islandwide consultations hosted by the Minimum Wage Advisory commission as it begins review of the national minimum wage and the minimum wage for security guards.

According to the Commision, five one-day regional consultations are scheduled from August 11 to September 9, and the public is being asked to put forward comments, suggestions or proposals for consideration.

The first meeting will be held today at the Hotel Tim Bamboo in Port Antonio, Portland, starting at 10:00 am.

Other sessions are scheduled for: Tuesday, August 18 at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, starting at 1:00 pm (to 3:00 pm); Thursday, August 20 at the Mandeville Hotel, Mandeville, in Manchester, starting at 11:00 am (to 2:00 pm); Tuesday, August 25 at the Almond Tree Restaurant in Ocho Rios, St Ann, starting at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and Wednesday, September 9, at the Ministry of Labour & Social Security, 1F North Street, Kingston, starting at 10:00 am.

In January 2014, the national minimum wage was increased from $5,000 to $5,600 for a 40-hour work week. The minimum wage for industrial security guards was also increased, moving from $7,320.40 to $8,198.80 per workweek.

The Minimum Wage Advisory Commission advises the Minister of labour and social security on matters relating to national minimum wage and other minimum wages under the Minimum Wage Act. The commission comprises representatives of the government, trade unions and employers’ group and is mandated to review the rates annually.