That is a statement from the Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, Mr. E.P. ‘Chet’ Greene.
Speaking shortly after the UPP posted an online statement that that they “will raise the minimum wage for employees to $10 an hour”, Mr. Greene pointed out that, “since public service workers already earn more than $10 an hour, the UPP promise is just an effort to deceive the electorate”.
“The UPP is promising less than public servants enjoy”, Greene stressed.
The ABLP Chairman also emphasized that the ABLP government, just a few weeks ago, in consultation with the private sector representatives, agreed to increase the legal minimum wage for all workers to $9.00.
“Therefore, even for the private sector employees, the promise to raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour, is just trickery and of no real benefit to the majority of workers”.
Mr. Greene said “The ABLP government recently decided to increase the legal minimum wage from $8.20 to $9.00, purely to benefit unskilled persons”.
He said, “The government did so, in consultation with the private sector, because if private persons did not agree, they would dismiss workers so as to stay within the sum of money they could afford and, they would pass on the difference to the consumers”.
The ABLP Chairman also noted that “the UPP did not even bother to consult the private sector on this empty promise. It was a unilateral statement.
“In summary”, the ABLP Chairman said “the UPP’s announcement is trickery. No one should be fooled”.
Mr Green think before you speak, so most public sector workers and private sector workers work for $10 per hour? So why the heck you raised it to $9? Why would you put the minimum wage below what is already being earned and say you are helping people?
So if $10 dollars under UPP is bad they what u say about $9 Chet?
Just stop you all foolishness, the fact is the UPP placed a better plan and you are vex.
Now one final thing, most private sector employers already paying $10 chet, why then would you discuss $9 with them and why would they be upset for a proposal of $10 by the UPP if according to you they are already paying $10 and more.
A still tongue keep a wise head you hear Sir!!!
He late is $12 and $15 an hour Private is paying
Wa meck able no wid pit um up higher ….if 10 nar give relief how .80cents go gee relief ….Chet ….u need fu go .. your time is up ….