The establishment of a new minimum wage has become a point of contention between workers and employers, leading to an impasse in reaching a consensus. Consequently, the responsibility of making this crucial decision now falls upon the Executive Body, which is expected to announce its determination before December 31, 2023.

This development unfolded during the recent meeting held on December 27 at the National Minimum Wage Commission 2023 in response to a summons by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (MITRADEL).

Unfortunately, the anticipated resolution could not be achieved during this meeting, as two out of the three parties at the negotiating table found themselves in complete disagreement.

Zaritma Simón, an advisor from MITRADEL, revealed that the government will assume the responsibility of deciding whether a new minimum wage rate is warranted. The outcome of this decision is slated to be disclosed in the early stages of 2024.

The working class asserted the necessity of establishing a new minimum wage due to the escalating cost of living. Conversely, the business sector contended that the economic repercussions of the crisis in October and November necessitated prioritizing recovery and job creation before determining a new minimum wage.

Both MITRADEL and the business sector have urged consideration of the negative impacts stemming from protests, road closures, and the pandemic over the past two years on various economic sectors. These factors, coupled with the aftermath of the most recent wage adjustment, have been cited as crucial aspects to contemplate.

Juan Antonio Ledezma, the president of the Labor Commission of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP), highlighted that the employer sector conveyed its conclusions verbally. This included an analysis of the country’s economic situation and the sector’s perspective on the current challenges, emphasizing the imperative of preserving jobs.