Bermuda: Minimum wage to take effect on June 1

THE island’s first minimum wage will come into effect on June 1, according to the Minister of Economy and Labour.

Jason Hayward said the hourly rate would be $16.40.

of Labour, will aim to improve relations between employers and workers and fight for and enhance labour policies.

policy in The Bahamas,” she said. “We also have to take a look at the children who are working in the food stores and what age (they can work). There has to be a limit on how old you are in order to work.”

“Again, policy is everything and if you do not initiate policies (and) if you do not initiate boundaries, then everybody does everything and who knows what’s legal and what’s illegal, and that’s the main thing. The minimum age needs to be raised in order to allow things in The Bahamas to really take shape.”

(Tribune242)

“This monumental step ensures all employees in Bermuda have the right to a wage that is considered dignified,” he added.

“In addition to supporting minimum wage framework, the Government passed the Employment (minimum hourly wage entitlement) Act 2022, which outlines who is entitled to receive a minimum hourly wage and the enforcement provisions established regarding payment of the same.”

The minister also announced the creation of a new government department to replace the Ministry of Economy and Labour’s labour relations section.

This new entity, the Department

Mr Hayward said: “Essentially, the Department of Labour will provide a one-stop shop for all employment and labour services.

“It will establish a system of proactive workplace inspections, while promoting compliance with the Employment and Labour Code and encouraging harmonious labour relations between unions, employers, employees and their representatives.”

Mr Hayward announced both initiatives in recognition of International Workers’ Day, held worldwide on May 1. He said: “Today, we celebrate the invaluable service all workers give to their workplaces, their customers and their community.” (Royal Gazette)

“The same applies in relation to climate change, and the finance needed to help us survive it. Climate and climate change is no respecter of borders. Carbon emissions harm us all because what happens in one country doesn’t stay in that country. And in finding and implementing solutions, please know that The Bahamas is committed to playing an active role as a partner.”

Last year, Mr Davis announced plans to offer blue carbon credits for companies aiming to offset their greenhouse gas emissions.

He said the government is “making good progress in developing a Blue Carbon Market”.

“We are also progressing well on understanding exactly how much carbon our seagrasses are absorbing,” he said. “The findings so far indicate that our seas and sea grasses absorb more carbon faster than the Amazon Rain Forest. But in making progress, we need the support of the countries and companies like the ones present here today. We need your support.”

Mr Davis emphasised the impact severe weather systems have on The Bahamas.

“The impact of Hurricane Dorian, that category 5 monster which struck islands of and Grand Bahama in 2019, remains with us,” he said.

“The loss of lives and livelihoods is still part of our present reality. And the consequences from that storm, and the next one, may be even worse. Some of us know already what it is to be a climate refugee. And some of us know what it is to lose everyone and everything.