In statements from the Minister of Labour, Daniel Maurate, the president will give the last word before the end of the year, a period that will expire in 35 days.
Gustavo Minaya, deputy secretary general of the General Confederation of Peruvian Workers (CGTP), Gustavo Minaya, said that the post holder must comply with the legal obligation to prepare the decree of the possible increase and present it for consideration by the president.
Employer unions such as the Chamber of Industries, the Chamber of Exporters (ADEX), the Lima Chamber of Commerce and the National Tourism Association (Canatur) and the Lima Chamber of Commerce, rejected the salary improvement.
“This is never the right time for them,” said Minaya, who recalled that the monthly minimum wage has been increased several times, due to the demands of the workers and despite the fact that the employers refused any improvement. .
The employers’ statement argues that granting an increase should be a technical rather than a political decision, that there are no conditions and that it would generate inflation and affect micro-enterprises and small businesses through what it called “ raising labor costs”.
He also mentions a report from the Central Reserve Bank (issuer), with a neoliberal orientation and according to which the minimum wage is overestimated, as it should be around 726 bases (the dollar is quoted at 3.77 bases), much less than that of 1,025 coins valid from May 2022.
The union leader responded that the business representatives did not raise any arguments at the CNT meetings and did not refuse the technical support for the request to increase the minimum wage by 305 bases to make it 1,330 bases.
Minaya also criticized the Labor Ministry’s proposal for an improvement of only 105 bases and argued that the amount is not worth compensating for the purchasing power of salaries.
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How do employer unions justify their opposition to raising the minimum wage in the current economic climate?
Title: Last Minute Decisions: Unpacking Peru‘s Minimum Wage Discussions
Interviewer: Time.news Editor
Guest: Gustavo Minaya, Deputy Secretary General of the General Confederation of Peruvian Workers (CGTP)
Editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us, Gustavo. With only 35 days left until the deadline, there’s significant anticipation surrounding the potential increase in the minimum wage in Peru. Can you provide us with some context regarding this timeframe?
Minaya: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the Minister of Labour, Daniel Maurate, has stated that the president will have the final say on the minimum wage adjustment before the year concludes. This timeline is crucial as it not only impacts workers’ livelihoods but also contributes to the broader economic framework in Peru.
Editor: What’s the current stance of the General Confederation of Peruvian Workers (CGTP) on this potential wage increase?
Minaya: Our position is straightforward: we firmly believe that workers deserve a fair wage that reflects the rising cost of living. We are urging the minister and the government to comply with their legal obligations and expedite the preparation of the necessary decree for increasing the minimum wage. It’s essential for workers to see tangible improvements in their incomes.
Editor: It seems that the employer unions, such as the Chamber of Industries and the Lima Chamber of Commerce, have differing opinions on this matter. Can you elaborate on the potential reasons for this divergence?
Minaya: Certainly. Employer unions often express concerns regarding the economic impact of wage increases on businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises. They argue that higher wages may lead to increased operational costs and could result in job losses. However, we believe that investing in workers’ salaries can stimulate economic growth by increasing purchasing power, ultimately benefiting businesses in the long run.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. In your opinion, what would be the ideal outcome of this potential wage increase for both workers and the economy as a whole?
Minaya: The ideal outcome would be a minimum wage increase that ensures workers can meet basic needs while also encouraging businesses to thrive. It’s about finding a balance. An increase would empower workers, reduce poverty levels, and boost overall consumer spending. Therefore, it’s crucial that the government takes these factors into account when making their decision.
Editor: As we approach the deadline, what actions are you and CGTP planning to take to advocate for this wage increase?
Minaya: We are actively engaging with our members and the public to raise awareness about the necessity of this debate. We are also in dialog with policymakers to ensure they understand the implications of inaction. Our goal is to mobilize support from various sectors to push for a favorable outcome before the year ends.
Editor: It sounds like there’s quite a bit of momentum building. What message would you like to convey to the president as he approaches this important decision?
Minaya: I would tell the president that now is the time to listen to the voices of the hardworking Peruvians who rely on fair wages to support their families. An increase in the minimum wage is not just a moral obligation; it’s an investment in the future prosperity of our nation.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Gustavo. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on this evolving situation.
Minaya: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope that we see a positive outcome for all Peruvians in the near future.
Editor: And that wraps up our interview for today. Thank you for joining us at Time.news for this discussion on an important issue affecting the lives of many Peruvians. Be sure to stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.