On 10 December 2021, the National Minimum Wage Commission (NMWC) presented its report and recommendations on the annual review of the national minimum wage for 2022.
The majority of Commissioners, after considering the current economic state of the country and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both employers and employees, recommends that the national minimum wage should be increased by 1,0% above inflation.
On 6 December 2021, the former Mayor of New York City (NYC), Bill de Blasio, announced a vaccine mandate, covering all private-sector workers effective 27 December 2021.
On 15 December 2021, NYC released guidance on mandatory vaccine requirement for private employers.
The tool guides ILO constituents and their partners through a detailed self-assessment of their institution and devise an action plan to enhance its inclusiveness and effectiveness.
On 29 October 2021, the National Wages Council (NWC), a tripartite body made up by employer, employee and government representatives, developed its annual Guidelines on wages and employment-related issues for the period 1 December 2021 - 30 November 2022.
The NWC therefore also calls on all employers who have not done it yet to implement the Flexible Wage System (“FWS”).
The government proposed a package aims to overcome the economic crisis brought about by the pandemic, including beefing up support for companies actively raising employee wages.
It is working on plans to raise the maximum tax deduction rate to 40 per cent for small businesses and 30% for large corporates that increase employee wages.