PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos (AFX) - The government of this British Caribbean territory has agreed with unions to boost the minimum wage by 11 percent, Turks and Caicos' labor minister said in comments published Sunday.
Galmo Williams told the Sunday Turks and Caicos Sun that the minimum hourly wage will rise from US$4.50 (euro3.40) to US$5.00 (euro3.80) in January.
Government officials have said more than half of the 4,500 workers in the tourism sector -- the largest employer in the island chain -- stand to benefit from the raise.
Workers have long complained of being underpaid in this island chain where most goods must be imported and are costly. Hoteliers opposed the measure, warning that it would hobble the industry.
The economy of Turks and Caicos, where an estimated 15,000 of the 21,000 residents are foreigners, is based on tourism and offshore banking.
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