Businesses won’t like me if I raise the minimum wage now
The prospect of increasing the minimum wage is not one that is currently being entertained by Labour Minister Vincent Wheatley.
The Minister gave that indication at a recent press conference when asked whether he thought the minimum wage should be adjusted in consideration of the BVI’s existing cost of living.
The territory’s minimum wage currently stands at six dollars per hour.
While noting that businesses would likely not be in favour of a minimum wage increase if he was to do so presently, Wheatley argued that there were other considerations involved.
Minister Wheatley explained that a study conducted back in 2014 recommended that the minimum wage be revised in five years, which would have placed a revision in 2019.
But the Minister argued that there were circumstances that followed which prevented that recommended increase.
“But then up came the hurricanes and the pandemic and COI (Commission of Inquiry). I don’t think businesses would like me right now if I decide to hike minimum wage. The employees might like it. It’s something we have to discuss,” Minister Wheatley stated at a recent press briefing.
He added: “I’ve intentionally put it off until we get a little more settled with our economy. So, it’s not as simple a thing to say as ‘just raise minimum wage’.
Some persons might like it, but you don’t want to complicate what’s already a difficult time.”
‘Living wage’ being considered as alternative
Meanwhile, the Labour Minister argued that while the issue of a minimum wage was an interesting concept, he was more inclined towards a ‘living wage’ for persons.
“If you tell somebody to pay minimum wage, there are those companies who will do just that. Sometimes your minimum wage may not be a living wage,” he added.
Wheatley argued that if an assessment was done on the current cost of goods and services as well as the rates for rental accommodation and contrasted with the current minimum wage, it could not be deemed a ‘living wage’.
An examination of the situation in the context of the wider economy needed to be taken before any approach toward changes in the minimum wage, the Minister suggested.
Premier Andrew Fahie, while offering his take on the issue, said his government recognised that families were facing a struggle, hence his government’s initiative to introduce various economic stimuli recently.
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The buck shouldn’t stop with him
How many belongers work for minimum wage?
if U had a conscience you would not known I’m that this not a ( LIKE ) game like the one you are playing with not paying the employers not paying their taxes ,/ ITS doing the right thing for the wellbeing of the COUNTRY
Exactly, too dunce now mon. Talking s**t about like and employees can’t afford to live comfortably due to high cost of living.
You’re bad for business
Man is a jackass. People hurting. Businesses doing just fine. More votes in workers,well,at least BVIslanders who work. Hey,wait a minute, it’s mostly expats or downislanders who work here. Screw them. Keep them at slave wages. Way to go sir!!
Wow! The downislanders” do not have to minimum wage in the BVI. Its their choice. Remember they can work for more down the island.
and when they save up from that same minimum wage and buy a new car guess who does get jealous?
Even when the economy was booming, you all did not raise it. Now, the excuse is that the economy is not good. The minimum wage of the BVI is a global disgrace based on this territory’s status in international finance and business. You all have local businesses holding the government hostage for years. Many don’t pay taxes, their employees’ social security contributions, and wages. The certificate of good standing was a joke because you all backed off when you saw who would be impacted adversely by it.
What people don’t understand is that simply raising the minimum wage is not the answer to the issues. Our main issue here is EDUCATION and proper institutions to teach/train our people to take up meaningful posts of employment and eventually, even initially, own their own businesses. Raising the minimum wage will simply cause companies to downsize and adjust their prices to suit, which means nobody wins. A mixture of proper educational/training programs and Government initiatives to keep staple food items and necessities to a certain level is what is needed.
It has been months since I last commented in governmental VIP stupidity. I have not commented because it is hopeless. The Premier should lose the government just for having this small brain person a part if his cabinet.
If I raise minimum wage the employers will hate me. Andy Foye are you really listening. You really must be a haunted man. Seeing duppy in your sleep. Please Britan hasten and take over. The only allegiance you have is to her majesty the Queen. I really don’t care about you I just care about the employers. Is this Jack..s still walking among the sane. Only in a VIP cabinet.
A perfect slave, or a wanton, hopeless COLONIALIST.
Which of those are you?
I am a business owner and I urge the minister to raise, preferably double, the minimum wage the current one is an insult to all. It has been proven worldwide that this improves productivity. And well being and parenting, therefore education.
that was well said ? he is coming RED like trump , and acting like PUTIN ? the devil lurks within
Ppl sit down and let personal gain take dem over…Now da country suffering
“I don’t think businesses would like me right now if I decide to hike minimum wage.”
Did he really say that out loud? Good Lord!
Mr. Wheatley, have you considered that employees vote too … and there are more employees than employers.
Do what is RIGHT for the people of the Virgin Islands!
“Businesses” Big name relatives and family
employees make the business! without the daily duties performed what is a business? take care of the employees , the employees ensure good runnings… basic sense!
You have to be liked? Nobody likes you sir, all the crap you and the anti expatriate hate has stifled the economy.
I am not sure if YOU can raise the minimum wage, I do believe that HOA is fully responsible for that, not just one representative.
“Reality Is Often Disappointing.”
well drop the taxes and work permit fees 🙂
@Yassuh, If you hate the people of the BVI why the h**l you don’t go back to wherever the h**l you came from.
Well I want to see if the government workers can survive on less than 1000 a Monday if u do it by 6dollar a or… expas get it hard here.. some business explot them workers… government work cry out… if them come in our shoes they will run mad..
Mr. Wheatley would do well to donate his govt salary for a month, except for collecting $6/hour. Then, he might have an idea of how to live on $960 a month.
It’s sad to see that he does not seem interested in the well being of his voters, and would rather pander to the interest of those likely to benefit him directly. But then again, exemplary politicians trying to
Improve this Territory have been few.
The Honorable is talking about businesses won’t “like” him. what an interesting analysis?
1. 40 business votes taken instead of 400 employee votes
2. raising the minimum wage would almost have the same effect as reducing the SS contributions and the Tax percentage
No body likes your b******** anyway. Can’t wait to see your back as r***lsive it will be to look at you from behind. Get lost Andrew Fahie, you are a hindrance to progress. The people need this noose from around our necks.
Sorry, I addressed the wrong jackass but same difference.
9 bucks an hour is the way to go!
Too much fear mongering amongst the officials, while they raise prices in their businesses!
And everyone else should be satisfied with peanut types of salaries!
Now is the time!
9 bucks an hour, ALREADY!
so you are worried about businesses won’t like you, what happened to the people who put you there in the first place? I guess they don’t count, you are only for your friends only and not for the people. I am sure the number of people who put you there is more than the number of friends you have.
PS: please wash the car you drive, sets a bad image unless the car represents the person who is driving it