KINGSTON, Jamaica — While any increase in wages is welcomed, some OBSERVER ONLINE readers have expressed disappointment with Tuesday’s announcement of a 12.9 per cent increase to the national minimum wage.

According to Minister of Labour and Social Security Shahine Robinson , the new minimum wage will be increased from the current $6,200 per week to $7,000 per week, , while the minimum rates for security guards will increase to $242.50 per hour, a 9.6 per cent rise, moving their basic weekly rates from $8,854 to $9,700 per week.

Readers like Blade Brown believe the new minimum wage is a “mediocre wage increase” as Jamaican workers are “being overworked and underpaid”.

Wayne suggested that “The minimum wage for the lowest job in JA should be at least 10K per week,” but another reader, Blue Mountain, commented that “Workers should be getting at least J$12,000 per week to be able to feed themselves and have a one room in Jamaica!”

However, JAY reasoned that “when you give them 12,000 per week.. Are you certain that Employers can afford to pay them that much?”

Similarly, Jim Kelly expressed that with a 12.9 per cent increase, “some employers, who are also employed, may have difficulty paying the approved increase to their employees”.

The ministry also announced increases to the laundry, firearm premium and dog handler’s allowances. They will move from $40.30 to $44.00 per hour, $44.30 to $48.00 per hour and $29.80 to $33.00 per hour respectively.

Life insurance coverage with double indemnity protection and dismemberment coverage for security guards will also be move from $2,500,000 to $2,750,000.