WILLEMSTAD - There is strong community backing for a legislative proposal from the political party MAN to eliminate age discrimination in the minimum wage.
The proposed amendment has received support from the blue party (MAN) and has been positively reviewed by the Social and Economic Council (SER). The bill aims to lower the age at which employees are entitled to the full minimum wage from 21 to 18 years. This change would ensure that employees aged 18, 19, and 20 would receive the same wage as those aged 21 and older, rather than a percentage of it, as is currently the case.
The amendment aligns with the principles of equal pay for equal value, as established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other international treaties.
“The proposed change will not impact government finances, as the legislation does not incur additional costs,” stated the MAN party.
Instead, the higher wages for younger workers are expected to stimulate the economy and increase tax revenues. Moreover, no transitional period is required for this legislative amendment, as minimum wage increases are typically implemented without such a phase.