DILI, 01 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste Workers’ Union (KSTL) said on Thursday that the government’s proposal to raise the monthly minimum wage from $115 to $154 is not enough to keep pace with rising living costs, urging authorities to set it above $200.
The call was made by KSTL President Almério Vila Nova during the May Day march organized by the union and attended by workers in the capital, Dili.
The march began at the union’s headquarters in Bemori and ended at the Government Palace as part of annual International Workers’ Day commemorations held on May 1.
Vila Nova said the proposed wage increase fails to keep pace with inflation and is insufficient to cover workers’ basic living expenses.
“The amount proposed by the government is not enough to cope with the current inflation rate,” he said.
He said KSTL would continue advocating for workers’ rights until the government establishes what it described as a fair minimum wage that reflects the country’s cost of living and guarantees decent living standards.
The Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment and the National Labour Council said on Wednesday they had finalized a draft law proposing an increase in the minimum wage to $154.
Secretary of State Rogério Mendonça said the draft is expected to be submitted to the Council of Ministers next week for discussion.
“We proposed increasing the minimum wage to $154. We will see whether the Council of Ministers agrees with our proposal. If approved, the new law could be implemented this year,” Mendonça said.
He added that the draft law had already been submitted to the Council of Ministers last year but was returned to the ministry for revisions to improve several aspects of the proposal.
Timor-Leste’s minimum wage has remained unchanged since 2012.
Jornalista: Alexandra da Costa
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
