OPINION: Productivity off the table
Some 290.000 workers will benefit from the increase in the minimum wage, which is 3.3% on average. The increase ranges from 1% for workers in the education and tourism sector, up to 8% for workers in the banana plantations. The untimely decision was announced in the last minutes of the old year, reflecting the pressure of the banana plantation sector Bocatoreño.
The human drama of families that depend on the minimum wage cannot be ignored, however, the effect that this economic decision has on the unemployed and the cost of doing business in Panama is underestimated. The best way to increase the income of a worker is to increase their productivity, improving their education and the technology of their work. Again, this was out of the discussion.- LA PRENSA Jan 3