Kejan Haynes
The Ministry of Labour is promising On the Job Trainees (OJTs) they will receive their stipend on Friday after a month's delay due to connectivity issues. OJTs were provided with a notice in May, they would not receive their stipends for that month.
Trainees’ stipend payment is due on the 15th of each month.
Approximately 3800 OJTs were notified that the payment was delayed due to "unforeseen circumstances" and they should receive their stipends by June 24th. The Ministry says it plans to keep this promise.
Manager of Corporate Communications at the Ministry of Labour Nadine Hackett confirmed the delay saying, “one of the issues that caused the delay was a major disruption in services (internet and phone) due to cable cutting reported in the Woodford Lodge / Chaguanas area over the last two weeks.”
Hackett said the issue has been rectified and there are no foreseeable issues that will delay future payments.
She assured the distribution of both months' stipends began on June 22 to some banks.
“The Ministry wishes to assure Trainees and Training providers that we will continue to review our systems and procedures to reduce any instances which may result in late payment,” Hackett added.