The national minimum wage is going to be increased to $8.75 an hour as of 1 Jan. 2026, government has announced.
Speaking in Parliament Friday afternoon, Caymanian Employment and Immigration Minister Michael Myles said, “Unlike previous administrations, who couldn’t find a consensus to make a decision on this important matter, we, the National Coalition For Caymanians, intend to accept and implement the recommendation of the Minimum Wage Advisory Committee final report that was submitted in 2023 under the previous government.”
He added that there were a number of other recommendations in the report, which were going to be discussed and potentially rolled out throughout next year, but the initial step was to implement the $8.75 hourly rate from the start of 2026.
MP for Bodden Town West and opposition member Dwayne Seymour warned about unintended consequences of a hike to the minimum wage, saying that in 2015 there was “quite a disruption” when the wages doubled for domestic helpers and people were unable to pay them.
Living pay cheque to pay cheque
In response, Myles said that all angles had been discussed and that amount had been recommended by professional bodies.
“I understand the unintended consequences,” he said, “but I also want to make clear that we also have people here in our country who are living pay cheque to pay cheque, who are struggling to meet their normal bills because they’re being paid $6 an hour.”
He added, “Our responsibility now is to protect our people and to ensure that they’re being paid at least appropriately.”
In response to a question from Deputy Opposition Leader Kenneth Bryan about whether this would include gratuities, such as in the hospitality industry, Myles said that the $8.75 amount was “across the board” and that government would be holding a press conference next week to lay out information in detail.
Just a few weeks ago, Myles told Compass TV’s Forefront he was taking into account the research of the Minimum Wage Advisory Committee, which recommended $8.75 an hour, before making a decision. The previous government has planned to raise the minimum wage to $7 for certain sectors by this July.
Keep checking caymancompass.com for the latest on this developing story.
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I know a lot of us Caymanians wanted to see $15. This really wasn’t good enough.
Burger King workers still can’t make a career out of it. Was hoping to see more of Myles.
I think that Work Permit Holders should not have to make pension contributions. Given they are not meant to stay on Island longer than 9 years, let them have that money too.
Kudos to Minister Myles on taking time to examine the fine work of the Minimum Wage Committee and taking immediate action. He made a positive difference before he ever got to Parliament, he is making a difference now and will make a difference in the future. I applaud him.