A national minimum wage rate was first introduced in Trinidad and Tobago in April 1998.
That first minimum wage was $7 an hour.
Eventually in January 2003 it was increased to $8 hour and then to $9 an hour in March 2005.
In January 2010 the minimum wage reached double digits for the first time when it was increased to $12.50 an hour.
After a subsequent increase to $15 in January 2015, it was again increased in December 2019 to $17.50 where it currently stands.
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 $3033.33.
According to the Minimum Wages Act Chapter 88:04 “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.”
The Labour Ministry is now seeking to have a national stakeholder consultation on the Minimum Wages Act Chapter 88:04.
“The Ministry of Labour cordially invites all stakeholders and interested persons to participate in a National Stakeholder Consultation on the Minimum Wages Act Chapter 88:04. This Consultation gives you the opportunity to share your thoughts and recommendations for amendment to the Minimum Wage Act Chapter 88:04 and highlight suggested areas for improvement within the various sectors,” it stated.
The deadline for submission is October 20.
The Ministry of labour will also be seeking to have a national stakeholder consultation on the Maternity Protection Act Chapter 45:57 with the same deadline.
Interested people can submit their written submissions to: The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Labour located at Levels 5 & 6, Tower C International Waterfront Centre #1A Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.
For more information, visit: https://www.labour.gov.tt/consultations