Bolivarian Govt. passes resources for wage http://www.avn.info.ve/contenido/bolivarian-govt-passes-resources-wage-increaseincrease 

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro informed Tuesday that the National Government approved 18.04 billion bolivares to ensure the payment of a 32.25% wage increase decreed by President Hugo Chavez for this year 2012.At the end of a Cabinet meeting in the Miraflores Presidential Palace, in Caracas, Minister Maduro reminded that the wage increase will be take effect in two hikes.First, a 15% increase next May 1st, which will bring the minimum wage from 1,548 bolivares ($360) a month to 1,780.45 bolivares (about $418).There will be an additional increase of 15% in September, which will bring the country's minimum wage to 2,047.52 bolivares ($476).A total 3,903,408 Venezuelans will benefit with the raise announced by President Chavez last April 7th."It is ensured everything that deals with the payment of workers, retired and pensioned people, who know that they have they sure payment through the Revolution's social security policy,particularly the extension of the Grand Mission Love for the Elderly," Maduro said.In local television, the Minister said the money will cover expenses for wages of public servants and workers. "It has been devised comprehensively, this wage increase, which is part of the yearly permanent policies of review and strengthening of employees' purchase capacity."