Aruba coalition divided over minimum wage increase

Aruba’s governing coalition is facing internal division over a proposal to raise the minimum wage to a subsistence level of approximately Afl. 2,700 per month. Prime Minister Mike Eman is pushing for an immediate decision, arguing that all necessary data is available and rejecting claims that further research is required. He has characterized delays as “completely unacceptable.”

In contrast, Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Geoffrey Wever has adopted a more cautious stance, stating that the government is still conducting various calculations and cannot yet announce a decision date. Labor Minister Wendrick Cicilia has expressed support for an increase to help workers manage the rising cost of living, but emphasized that the move must be carefully planned to ensure small and medium-sized enterprises can absorb the additional costs.

The proposed increase represents a significant jump from the current minimum wage, which is set to be Afl. 11.58 per hour (approximately Afl. 2,007 per month) as of January 1, 2026. Critics and officials have raised concerns regarding the economic impact, noting that for a business with 20 minimum-wage employees, the increase could represent nearly Afl. 13,860 in additional monthly gross salary costs.