The government has settled minimum wage negotiations with 50% of the security firms contracted by the Ministry of Health.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dunstan Bryan gave the update during Tuesday morning’s meeting of parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, PAC.

According to Mr. Bryan, the ministry is working to complete the negotiations with the other firms by the end of next month.

When asked if this was the best way to conduct the negotiations, the permanent secretary defended the ministry’s decision to have the discussions conducted in the different health regions.

According to him, the socio-economic dynamics across the regions differ.

Meantime, labour minister, Karl Samuda who was speaking at another function, on Tuesday, said an announcement will be made on Friday, regarding the minimum wage provision for security guards.