COB Executive Secretary Juan Carlos Huarachi confirmed salary increase in B$42 (US$6.08) and the freezing of the basic wage for this year, after concluding a meeting with President Luis Arce.

With this agreement, remuneration rises from B$2,012 (US$307.03) to B$2,164 (US$313.11), a decision that will affect the amount of Lactation Subsidy and Seniority Bonus, according to official sources.

Workers had initially proposed an increased 5%, both to the national minimum wage and to the basic remuneration, but employers turned away the proposal due to the negative impact on employment sources amid an economic and health plight.

The agreement will be made official by supreme decree on May 1, International Workers’ Day.

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