Dominica announces a new national Minimum Wage Structure to be effective from December 01, 2025. The revised structure follows the announcement made in the Budget Address of July 2025.
For new Minimum Wage Structure, the Government of Dominica appointed a Minimum Wage Advisory Board that included representatives from the public and private sectors along with employer groups and trade unions.
The Advisory Board undertook a detailed analysis of the current labour market realities and the prevailing average wage levels within the OECS. The minimum wage structure of Dominica was last reviewed in year 2021.
Significant Move to Improve Income Quality
Dominica marks it as a significant move in the ongoing efforts of the government to improve the income quality for the welfare of workers across the island. Declared during the Independence Day 2025 address at the Windsor Park Stadium, this decision forms part of a wider strategy to:
- reward the hard work,
- strengthen public service, and
- ensure that all workers receive fair compensation for their labour
Considering this, the Advisory Committee has also recommended some adjustments to reflect inflationary pressures and the rising cost of living. PM Skerrit and the cabinet confirmed that now they will provide a clear timeline for its implementation.
Timely and Necessary Measure
The labour officials have described this move as a ‘timely and necessary measure’ to ensure the wage parity between the public sector and private sector. While a group of employers has urged a balanced approach to protect the small enterprises, mostly to be welcomed at the advance notice ahead of the December rollout.
Pursuing the Labour Standards (Minimum Wage) Order 2025, the Cabinet has approved the revised minimum wage rates, including the categories:
Supports Long-term Economic Security
The updated Minimum Wage rates are intended to ensure a more equitable wage structure, strengthen household incomes and enhance social protection, especially for low-income workers.
Government of Dominica is reiterating its commitment to ensure that all workers operate within a labour market environment that supports their wellbeing and long-term economic security.
Aligns with Development Goals
The 2025 revised implementation has increased the minimum pay rates across the hospitality, retail, agriculture and domestic work sectors.
Economic observers noted that the new increase aligns with the broader development goals of Dominica under the National Resilience Development Strategy (NRDS) 2030, which emphasises the inclusive growth and human development.
The announcement of new Minimum Wage Structure in Dominica has sparked discussion among trade unions and representatives of private-sector who are expected to engage in follow-up consultations, which ensure that the policy is equitable and sustainable.
Assurance of a December implementation by the Prime Minister of Dominica Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit offers a long-awaited relief ahead of the Christmas Season for many workers as a clear signal, so that wage justice remains at the forefront of national policy.