The secretary general of the National Confederation of Independent Trade Union Unity (Conusi), Marco Andrade, told Prensa Latina that they only have representation in a forum set up by the Minister of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel), Jackeline Muñoz.

Along with the Executive branch and business leaders, he said, representatives from the National Council of Organized Workers (Conato) are also participating, despite having been imposed by Mitradel, which displaced the true leaders of that organization.

Andrade rejected the notion that the debates to determine the average minimum wage should revolve around a concept imposed by the business sector based on the cost of the basic food basket, without considering other expenses such as electricity, water, and housing rent—the so-called expanded basic basket.

He questioned why the country has not seen a real increase in the average minimum wage for more than 30 years.

Ariel Munoz, who represented Conusi at the establishment of the technical working group to review wages, also denounced what he called a betrayal of the working class by the members of Conato who are aligning themselves with the decision of the government and business leaders.

The next session of the commission will be held on November 19, as part of a process that takes place every two years and directly impacts all productive sectors of the country.

Current economic conditions, the cost of living, productivity levels, and other indicators serve as the basis for defining a possible adjustment to the average minimum wage in the isthmus, which, according to Conato, should be around $900 per month, an amount many consider insufficient.

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