Minimum Wage in Panama Raised To As High As $416 Per Month

(Panama-Guide) By OHIGGINIS ARCIA JARAMILLO for La Prensa - The waiting has ended. The Panamanian government issued an executive order yesterday establishing new minimum wages which will take effect starting 1 January 2010. This measure, which will put more money into the pockets of 250,000 workers, includes classifications into two zones. Zone One - comprised of Panamá, Colón, San Miguelito, David, Santiago, Chitré, Aguadulce, Penonomé, La Chorrera, Arraiján and the District of Bocas del Toro - increases were approved from $33 to $95 dollars per month. In other words, the new minimum wage will increase from from $357 to $416 per month.