AVP tasks Eman with continuing talks on minimum wage increase over three years

ORANJESTAD — AVP’s party council instructed Prime Minister Mike Eman on Monday evening to continue talks with business associations and the business sector on the proposal to raise the minimum wage gradually over three years. The plan includes compensation for small and medium-sized businesses.

AVP leader Wendrick Cicilia said the minimum wage is between Afl. 2,000 and Afl. 2,100, while the subsistence level is between Afl. 2,600 and Afl. 2,700. According to Cicilia, this gap puts pressure on low-income families.

Eman said business associations had not participated in previous meetings. He urged them to return to the table and indicate what kind of compensation they need. Addressing concerns about possible price increases, Eman maintained that a wage increase of Afl. 200 would have little impact on prices because, according to his calculations, wages represent a small share of the cost of most products and services.

Eman said the process must continue, although the parties still need to reach an agreement. He did not give a date for a final decision.