Starting September 1, 2025, the minimum wage per hour will be introduced. In Parliament, the bill was discussed to change the method for calculating the minimum wage. The law was unanimously approved by the Parliament of Aruba. The Minister of Labor has determined that this change will take effect from January 1, 2026.
With this change, employees working 40, 42, 44, or 45 hours per week will see a salary increase, because the new calculation method is based on a minimum wage of AWG 11.58 per hour worked.
The new formula to calculate the monthly wage is: hours per week × 11.58 × 4.333. This results in a fairer minimum wage and eliminates the discrepancy that existed for many years in the calculation of the minimum wage.
Minister Wendrick Cicilia also referred to various materials prepared to raise awareness and prepare the community for this change. On the Department of Labor website (https://daoaruba.com/index.php/sueldo/) there is a calculator, as well as different materials in multiple languages (https://daoaruba.com/index.php/minimumuurloon/) to provide correct information to both employers and employees about how to calculate the minimum wage.
Additionally, Minister Wendrick Cicilia referred to an amendment ensuring that non-resident domestic workers also fall under the minimum hourly wage law. This means that a domestic worker who does not live in the household also has the right to the minimum wage per hour worked, and the same calculation method applies.
“We have taken an important step toward equality in our labor market. Every hour of honest work deserves its value and protection. This reform ensures that this principle is finally reflected in our laws. By standardizing the calculation of the minimum hourly wage, we provide clarity to employers, create stability for workers, and establish a foundation of justice that strengthens our entire economy,” Minister Wendrick Cicilia stated.