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The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous comment, in particular the appointment of a Minimum Wages Council in May 2006 with a view to formulating proposals for the revision of the different minimum wage rates and the possible introduction of a single national minimum wage for all categories of workers. According to the Government’s report, the Council consisted of an equal number of representatives of employers’ and workers’ organizations, and three independent members. The Council conducted both a quantitative analysis based on criteria such as the needs of workers and their families, the general level of wages, the cost of living, social security benefits, the level of productivity and employment, and a qualitative analysis drawing upon the views and opinions of a wide cross spectrum of the population, including the business community, the agro-productive sector, NGOs, labour unions, workers and the public at large.

The Committee notes that, following the Minimum Wages Council’s recommendations presented in December 2006, the Government has decided to establish over the next three years a minimum wage rate of BZD3.0 for all workers. Consequently, the hourly minimum wage for domestic and shop assistants and for manual workers not engaged in agriculture was raised to BZD3.0 by virtue of Statutory Instruments No. 14 of 2007 and No. 60 of 2007, respectively, while the hourly minimum wage for manual workers engaged in agriculture was increased to BZD2.5 by virtue of Statutory Instrument No. 15 of 2007, it being understood that it will be further readjusted and set at BZD3.0 in 2010. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of all future developments concerning the progressive establishment of a minimum wage of general coverage and also any follow-up action to the conclusions of the Minimum Wages Council 2006.

Article 5 of the Convention and Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the statistical information provided by the Government concerning the size of the labour force by industry and occupation. It also notes the Government’s indication that the Labour Department of the Ministry of Education and Labour received and settled in 2006 approximately 20 complaints on minimum wage. The Committee would appreciate if the Government would continue to provide up to date information on the practical application of the Convention.