Prime Minister Gaston Browne has signalled that his government is considering introducing a separate, higher minimum wage specifically for hotel workers, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda's largest industry must provide more stable and adequate incomes for its employees.
According to Antigua News Room, Browne made the remarks on Pointe FM's Browne and Browne Show, where he argued that major hotel operators should not be held to the same wage standards as smaller businesses operating with tighter profit margins.
"Companies like Sandals and Barrett Hotels… they too must have a minimum wage, a special one higher than the $2,200 that we planned for the other small businesses," Browne said. He suggested a benchmark of $3,000 per month for hotel workers — significantly above the baseline wage being proposed for other sectors.
"Then they maybe should be at $3,000 minimum," he said, noting that further consultations would take place before any final decision is reached.
Browne indicated that discussions are already well advanced, pointing to what he described as growing agreement among stakeholders. "I can tell you that already there is a consensus that there should be a separate minimum wage for hotel workers," he said.
The proposal forms part of a broader government push toward a "livable wage" framework, which is expected to raise minimum monthly earnings for public sector workers to approximately $2,200, with some workers moving closer to $2,500 following adjustments.
The prime minister argued that the current compensation structure in the hotel industry — which relies heavily on service charges and tips — leaves workers financially vulnerable and limits their ability to access credit and secure loans.
"They must be able to afford a mortgage… and when they go to these banks, they say they can't rely on your service charge," he said. A higher guaranteed base salary, Browne contended, would reduce workers' dependence on variable income.
"I don't want a minimum wage under $2,000 and they have to rely on tips. We want real money. Our people must live good," he said.
Browne also issued what he framed as an early warning to the hotel sector, suggesting that wage reforms could follow after the upcoming election. "Me give out the hotels them warning… we're going to fight for the hotel workers to make sure they make more money in this country," he said.
Tourism remains Antigua and Barbuda's dominant economic sector. No timeline has been announced for implementation, and it remains unclear how such a tiered wage structure would be designed or enforced.
