Senators will continue a hearing Friday on a bill that would link Guam’s minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index, creating a mechanism that would adjust the minimum wage for inflation each year.
The first part of the hearing on Bill 4-38, introduced by Sen. Joe S. San Agustin, was held last week, and groups representing employers and business owners testified against it.
Senators decided to continue the hearing on Friday evening, so workers could attend and offer testimony.
Guam’s minimum wage is currently $9.25 an hour. If approved, the bill could raise the wage to about $11.50 an hour. From there, it would be measured against CPI annually.
Representatives from the Guam Chamber of Commerce, the Employers Council of Guam and the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association have said higher wages will cause businesses to raise prices, leading to even higher inflation.
Friday’s hearing is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Guam Congress Building.
