Haiti’s government on Monday raised the minimum wage by as much as 54% after weeks of protests by garment workers who say their wages are not enough to keep up with rising costs of living.
The office of prime minister ariel henry posted on Twitter a sliding scale of salary increases that vary according to economic activity, with the largest increase for workers in areas such as the electricity and telecommunications industries.
Employees in the apparel sector, who export finished products to US retailers, received a 37% raise. That brings their wages to just under $7.50 a day, compared with the $15 a day union leaders demanded.
During decades, Haiti has been promoted as a manufacturing center for ropthanks to low wages and proximity to US markets.
Over the years, workers have complained that wages are too low to cover basic goods, which are often more expensive than in other countries due to weak infrastructure and gang violence.
