Media Release: Reminder Notice - National Minimum Wage Increase
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago - Tuesday 02 March, 2021
The Ministry of Labour wishes to remind the public 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 and meal breaks under the Minimum Wages Act Chapter 88:04.
The Ministry of Labour continues to sensitize workers and employers on the Minimum Wage rates and benefits of minimum wage workers as well as the obligations of their employers, as reflected in its most recent social media campaign in December 2020. The Labour Inspectorate Unit of the Ministry is charged with advising Minimum Wage workers and their employers on their rights and responsibilities and also conducts inspections and investigates complaints to ensure compliance with the Minimum Wages Act Chapter 88:04 and Minimum Wage Orders.
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
It is to be noted that breaches to the law, can lead to penalties and fines by the Industrial Court.
Should additional information be required, please contact the Labour Inspectorate Unit at:
- Port of Spain – 50-54 Duke Street, Level 3, Port of Spain
Tel: 299-0300 Option 3
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- San Fernando – 3rd Floor, Hosein's Building, 40-42 St James Street
Tel: 285-5133 Option 4 or 652-7002
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Information on Workers and Employers’ Rights and Responsibilities can also be accessed via the Ministry’s website at: https://labour.gov.tt/empowerment/labour-inspectorate
The Ministry of Labour remains committed to collaborating with its stakeholders to achieve its mandate of ensuring decent work, industrial peace and opportunity for all.
For further information, please contact:
Corporate Communications Unit
Ministry of Labour
International Waterfront Centre
Tower C, Level 6, 1A Wrightson Road, Port of Spain
Tel: 625-8478 exts. 1203/1509/1208/1211/1522 Fax: 623-1404
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.