Guyana Private Sector to get 36 percent Salary Increase as Gov’t aims to fulfill campaign promise

By Shanieka Smith

Staff Writer

#Guyana, July 6, 2022 – Private sector workers in Guyana will now get a 36 per cent minimum wage increase as of July 1. Their salaries will now be up to GUY$60,147. The increase in salaries is a fulfilment of a commitment made by the government after coming to power in 2020.

A  press statement released by the government stated that a new committee was established by the government that includes representatives from the  Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Guyana Manufacturing Service Association GMSA), and all Chambers of Commerce. They immediately held discussions on the proposed GUY$60,000 increase.

There were also recommendations made by the tripartite committee to increase the minimum wage; President, Irfaan Ali announced that the cabinet was in full agreement with the recommendations.

The Gazette, which has already been signed by the Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton has it that if a worker is being paid at a higher wage rate than that prescribed, they should continue to receive that amount and not suffer a reduction of rate in the account of the order.

It also outlines that workers should have a normal work week of 40 hours which should not exceed five days per week. If employers work beyond the normal working hours, they will be paid at minimum rates set out by the hours and holidays act and the labour conditions of employment of certain workers act, or any other law in force where workers are represented by a trade union.

Also, if an employer breaches the provisions of the order, they will be liable to a conviction of a fine of GUY$50,000 for the first offence. The fine will increase to GUY$100,000 and imprisonment of one month for a second conviction.