Venezuela Raises Bonuses but Keeps Minimum Wage Frozen on May Day

On May 1, 2026, Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced an increase in the integral minimum income for public sector workers to $240 per month, paid in bolívares at the official exchange rate. While the statutory minimum wage remains frozen at 130 bolívares (approximately $0.27) since March 2022, the government raised the economic war bonus to $200 and added a $40 food allowance. Pensioners also received increased bonuses, and a new one-time academic recognition bonus was introduced for strategic sectors. Rodríguez urged the private sector to match these income levels, framing the move as a responsible step to protect purchasing power without triggering inflation. However, the policy faced strong criticism from diverse trade unions, including the Central University of Venezuela Professors Association. Critics argue that replacing base wages with discretionary bonuses undermines labor rights, collective bargaining, and social security institutions. Protests erupted across multiple states, with workers demanding that income adjustments be incorporated into base salaries as mandated by the constitution. Meanwhile, the government confirmed ongoing tripartite negotiations regarding potential reforms to the Organic Labor Law, aiming to generate consensus amidst rising living costs and economic sanctions.