By March, a roadmap is expected not only to change sectoral salaries but also to improve conditions by sector
By March, Ecuador's Ministry of Labor plans to establish guidelines to update sectoral minimum wages and improve working conditions across various sectors.
The Ecuadorian Minister of Labor, Harold Burbano, announced that a meeting of sector councils is expected to take place at the end of this month and early March. The goal of these meetings is to establish a comprehensive roadmap which will not only address changes to sectoral minimum wages but also enhance working conditions across various sectors. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to ensure that all salaries align with the national minimum wage of $482, especially for those currently below this threshold.
Burbano emphasized that the updated sectoral tables revealed a significant number of salaries that did not meet the minimum wage requirements. In response to this, an agreement was reached with the National Council of Labor and Wages (CNTS) to equalize the salaries of those affected. This plan also involves the revitalization of sectoral councils, which play a crucial role in representing both employers and employees, thereby ensuring that discussions regarding salary standards and working conditions are thorough and inclusive.
As of January 15, the Minister urged all representatives of workers and employers to renew their appointments within the sector councils, signaling a long-term commitment to improving labor conditions in Ecuador. The process of appointing new representatives is nearing completion, setting the stage for focused discussions on salary and condition improvements in the upcoming meetings, and ultimately working toward a more equitable labor framework within the country.