Labor Minister Comments on Minimum Wage Increase

During our interview with Labor Minister Oscar Requena, we asked him about the new minimum wage.  The minimum wage for all categories of workers has increased to $5.00 per hour effective January 1, 2023.  This new increase in the minimum wage is part of the Government of Belize’s overall strategy to combat poverty and reduce inequality. However, since the increase employees have been complaining that they are earning less prior to the increase. That’s because employers are shortening hours worked for employees which affects their salary. Requena commented on the matter.