Panama wage increase called politicking

BUSINESS and labor leaders described President Ricardo Martinelli’s announcement of a wage increase, starting on January 1, in election year as “politicking”.

Martinelli, announced an increase in the minimum wage for zone 1 to $624.

The hike, which take effect from 1 January morning, has been rejected by employers and employees that qualify the measure as "political” and electoral.
“It presents all the signs of being a partisan political decision," said Jose Luis Ford, president of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama.
Rafael Chavarria, the National Council of Organized Workers , the government's decision is " politicking " and does not take into account those who already earn above the new figures .
Business groups and economists warn that generate increased price pressure and move the consumer, reducing their purchasing power, reports La Prensa
The measure, adopted unilaterally by the Government, will apply to about employees across the country.