The interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, announced a 26.3% increase in the full minimum wage (including subsidies), to 240 dollars (204.57 euros), and a 40% increase in retirement pensions.
“I must emphasize that this is the most significant increase in recent years,” said Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday in Caracas, during a large demonstration against US sanctions.
The monthly minimum wage, without bonuses, had been frozen at 130 bolivars for four years, which is equivalent to 0.27 cents (approximately 0.23 euros).
This despite the fact that, as business sources explained to Lusa, in the private sector the minimum income paid last year was around 260 dollars (221.65 euros) per worker.
The announced increases, the minister explained, come after the signing of an agreement in social consultation (“Table for Labor and Social Consensus”), a mechanism promoted by the executive.
“I also want to inform you that our grandparents, the most affected, will receive a pension [reforma] equivalent to 70 dollars [59,68 euros]which represents an increase of 40%”, he added.
A “responsible increase”
The announcement prompted applause and shouts of joy among thousands of government-supporting protesters gathered in Caracas.
Rodriguez, who had promised a “responsible” increase, acknowledged, however, that this announcement “is not enough.”
“There’s still a long way to go, and that’s why I requested a special care plan for our grandfathers and grandmothers.”
This increase remains, however, well below the 677 dollars that, according to private estimates, the basic food basket costs for a family of five.
In the first quarter, Venezuela recorded inflation of 71.8%.
Yugli Alvarado, 60 years old, a municipal employee present at the pro-government demonstration, repeated the President’s words, considering this increase “responsible”.
“It’s not possible for them to give an exorbitant raise and then, in two or three months, they won’t be able to pay it.”
At his side, Yeisi Romero, 44 years old, municipal employee, considers that this is “a first step before many others to come”.
In the morning, employees and pensioners gathered in Caracas to demand “a decent salary”.
Carlos Salazar, a 52-year-old union leader, noted that there is money “to defend Maduro” and denounced the significant diversion of funds that should “go to the working class, to pensions, so that Venezuelans are paid.”
