Thread by @MarkJGolding

The minimum wage does not reflect the actual cost of living. Low wage earners, especially families with children, have borne the brunt of the economic fallout in Jamaica over the last two years. They are barely surviving. Too many children are going to bed hungry.

That must be addressed with policies which put the people at the centre of national development, and uplift those who need help. That is what we must do to build the Jamaican Dream.
#PowerInTheDream #BudgetDebate2022

The pressure on families will not be sufficiently addressed by the latest $2,000 increase in the minimum wage, from $7,000 to $9,000. Accumulated inflation from 2018, the year of the previous increase, is approximately 23%.
#BudgetDebate2022

Moreover, as was graphically displayed last Thursday by our Shadow Minister of Finance, basic food items and fuel have seen price increases that far exceed the overall inflation rate.
#BudgetDebate2022

There are massive increases in the price of chicken, rice, flour, bread, cooking oil, corned beef; and don’t even mention saltfish, because that is now a luxury item.
#BudgetDebate2022

$2,000 after four years does not adequately respond to the dire situation faced by minimum wage earners. It provides no buffer for the continuing high inflation that is raging. #BudgetDebate2022

The next @JamaicaPNP Government will establish a livable minimum wage, with annual adjustments for inflation, so that people are able to feed and look after their family. That is what the Jamaican Dream demands.
#PowerInTheDream #BudgetDebate2022

The arguments against a livable wage surround fears that some employers may cut the number of workers. It is also said that costs to the State from out-sourcing arrangements will increase, to accommodate higher wages.
#BudgetDebate2022

However, this ignores the great benefits to the society from requiring a livable wage across the board. #BudgetDebate2022

It will improve the standard of living at the base of the society, reduce child poverty, reduce inequality, build social cohesion, stimulate aggregate demand and promote inclusive economic growth. #BudgetDebate2022

We believe that $12,000 dollars should be the basic minimum wage to be implemented now. It should be reviewed annually to account for inflation.
#BudgetDebate2022

The next PNP Government will implement an annual increase in the minimum wage to at least keep pace with the cost of living, until the process to determine a livable wage is completed. #BudgetDebate2022

We will protect the workers of this country.
We will put in place the policies to build the Jamaican Dream.
#BudgetDebate2022 #PowerInTheDream