Bermuda to set minimum wage at $16.40 in 2023
Bermudians are set to receive one of the highest hourly wage rates in the world as part of new labour regulations that will come into effect next year after parliament approves.
Labour Minister Jason Hayward said amendments to the Employment (Minimum Wage Entitlement) Bill 2022, which will be debated at the next sitting of Parliament, would see the statutory hourly wage increase to $16.40 from 1 June 2023.
The wage will apply to casual workers, part-time and temporary employees and some categories of student workers.
Volunteers and persons under the age of 16 are not entitled to the new minimum wage, Hayward stated.
The new minimum wage puts Bermuda on par with Luxembourg, Australia and Germany, which have some of the highest minimum wages in the world.
“All employees are entitled to be paid for hours worked and should have the confidence in knowing that their employer is complying with its obligations according to the Bill by paying them, at least, the statutory minimum hourly wage rate,” he told parliamentarians during Friday’s sitting.
The minister said that employees who believe they are not being paid the minimum wage could file a complaint with the Wage Commission, and an inspector will investigate their claims.
Employers found guilty of not paying an employee a minimum wage would be fined at a rate equal to twice the minimum hourly wage for each day that they failed to follow the law.
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