PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Ministry of Labour and Small Enterprise Development (MOLSED) recently reminded all employers of minimum wage workers that the government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has increased the national minimum wage from $15.00 to $17.50 per hour, effective December 01, 2019.
As a result, no worker, including migrant workers should be paid less than $17.50 per hour which is equivalent to a monthly salary of $3,033.33. It is important to note that a minimum wage worker is classified as any worker earning an hourly wage of $26.25 per hour or less and by law, these workers are entitled to benefits such as overtime rates, vacation leave, sick leave, meal breaks under the Minimum Wages Act Chapter 88:04.
The labour inspectorate unit of the ministry is currently on a national minimum wage sensitization drive, and one of its mandate is to monitor and enforce the minimum wages act and orders. This unit advises workers and their employers on their rights and responsibilities and also conducts inspections and investigates complaints to ensure compliance with the law.
Employers of minimum wage workers are required to:
- Keep, maintain and retain wage records for a period of three (3) years in order to show compliance;
- Provide the Inspector with information about wages and terms and conditions of work;
- Allow the Inspector to inspect wage records and pay sheets;
- Permit the Inspector to interview workers;
Breaches to the law can lead to penalties and fines by the Industrial Court.
Information on workers and employers’ rights and responsibilities can also be accessed via the ministry’s website at: www.molsed.gov.tt.
The ministry of labour and small enterprise development remains committed to the collaboration with employers and workers to achieve its mandate in ensuring decent work, industrial peace and opportunity for all.
For further information, contact the corporate communications unit.
Ministry of labour and small enterprise development at Tel: 625-8478 ext. 1208, 1211, 1212 or Email: communicationsmolsmed@gov.tt.
