Prime Minister and Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party leader Gaston Browne says his government is considering introducing a separate, higher minimum wage for hotel workers, arguing that the country’s largest industry should provide more stable and adequate incomes.
Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, Browne said the tourism sector, led by large hotel operators, should not be held to the same wage standards as smaller businesses with tighter margins.
“Companies like Sandals and Barrett Hotels… they too must have a minimum wage, a special one higher than the $2,200 that we planned for the other small businesses,” Browne said.
He suggested that hotel workers could see a minimum wage closer to $3,000 per month, significantly above the baseline being proposed for other sectors.
“Then they maybe should be at $3,000 minimum,” he said, adding that further consultations will take place before any final decision is made.
Browne indicated that discussions on the issue are already advanced, pointing to what he described as emerging agreement among stakeholders.
“I can tell you that already there is a consensus that there should be a separate minimum wage for hotel workers,” he said.
The proposal forms part of a broader shift toward what the government has described as a “livable wage” framework, which is expected to raise the minimum monthly earnings for public sector workers to about $2,200, with some workers moving closer to $2,500 after adjustments.
Browne argued that the current compensation structure in the hotel industry, which relies heavily on service charges and tips, leaves workers financially vulnerable and limits their ability to access credit.
“They must be able to afford a mortgage… and when they go to these banks, they say they can’t rely on your service charge,” he said.
He said a higher guaranteed base salary would provide workers with greater financial stability and reduce dependence on variable income.
“I don’t want a minimum wage under $2,000 and they have to rely on tips. We want real money. Our people must live good,” Browne said.
The prime minister also issued what he described as an early signal to the hotel sector, indicating that wage reforms could follow after the election.
“Me give out the hotels them warning… we’re going to fight for the hotel workers to make sure they make more money in this country,” he said.
Tourism remains the country’s largest economic sector, and Browne’s remarks suggest a potential policy shift that would place increased wage obligations on major industry players.
No timeline has been announced for implementation, and it remains unclear how such a measure would be structured or enforced.
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First the exemption and special privileges for the Rastafarians when cannabis was decriminalised and now special treatment is considered for hotel workers over everyone else This is favouritism and has no place in a democratic and equal society
He is seeking a different playground around the minimum wage for his white hotelier friends because they finance his election campaign.
Vote UPP instead.
Well.. This is to encourage investors to say GOOD BYE Antigua..Others Caribbean destinations are offering better deals for final consumer..If today most hotels in Antigua are charging over 250 usd per night..with this increase of wage, will increase the price per room significantly..and tourist are not stupid, they will go others places that offer better prices.
Multiple minimum wage can lead to confusion, making it harder for workers to know their rights and for employers to follow the law. Small country such as ours, it shouldn’t be difficult to implement a single livable minimum wage across the board.
PM Browne, the local hotel managers are appealing for better salaries. It is totally unfair for foreigners and expats especally white people, yes i said it white people to be getting 2 and 3 times what locals make for doing the same job. When we ask for additional staff to increae efficiency or better pay we are told its not in their budget but they then hire hig paying managers who really and truly make no sense. What they make can pay 10 staff bi weekly with change.
This will reduce hotel worker earnings by 40% because it will force the hotels to close June through September.
You people think this man easy. He will say anything that sounds good only to get votes, it’s the same as all the freebies that is being given out. Say anything that sounds good now, they will lap it up now like hungry dogs. After the election I will find a way to get out of it
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