Analysis Highlights Data Gaps in Aruba Wage Statistics : Questions have been raised regarding the completeness of statistical data concerning the cost of living and minimum wage in Aruba. While the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) regularly publishes figures, a recent analysis suggests there is a more complex reality behind the numbers for the subsistence minimum and minimum wage.
Current data indicates that the minimum wage for a 40-hour work week stands at Afl. 2,007.05. However, the subsistence minimum is reportedly Afl. 654 higher than this wage. For a family of four, the cost to subsist is currently Afl. 5,602. Consequently, two minimum wage incomes combined still leave a financial deficit of Afl. 1,574 to cover basic needs.
Despite these figures, there is reportedly a lack of detailed information regarding exactly how many people in the community fall below the subsistence line. Reliable statistics that combine income data with household information are described as difficult to obtain, yet are considered essential for anticipating the impact of economic downturns.
It is noted that while the individual data exists, media resources are insufficient to compile these complex statistics. The analysis questions whether it should not be standard practice for government instances to undertake this type of data collection.
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