Amid Rising Inflation, House of Representatives Seeks To Make Upward Adjustment in Minimum Wage

Monrovia, Liberia: The House of Representatives has directed its Committee on Labor to engage the Minimum Wage Board at the Ministry of Labor in reviewing the current minimum wage for a potential increase.

The decision of the august body stems from a request by Representative Thomas Goshua of Grand Bassa County Electoral District #5, who raised concerns about the economic difficulties faced by Liberians due to high food inflation and declining household incomes. 

Representative Goshua, citing the World Bank's 2023 Macro Poverty Outlook, noted that Liberia’s economic growth slowed by 4.3%, and an estimated 67% of household spending is devoted to food purchases—making wage adjustments a necessity for ensuring decent work standards. 

The Minimum Wage Board, chaired by the Minister of Labor, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, is tasked with reviewing and recommending minimum wage adjustments based on factors such as cost of living, economic development, and business productivity. 

The House's directive seeks to ensure wages keep pace with rising inflation and bolster the well-being of employees and their families. 

The Labor Committee is expected to engage the Minimum Wage Board and report back to Plenary on their findings, potentially leading to a significant policy shift in Liberia’s labor regulations.