Business

LABOUR

Labour Force

The total labour force in Trinidad and Tobago comprises approximately 500,000 persons. Approximately 60% of these are male and 40% female. Of those persons employed, approximately 60% are employed in services, 11% in agriculture and about 14% are employed in manufacturing.

Population 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995(1st quarter)
Population (mid-year estimates) 1,237.4 1,241.6 1,252.1 1,257.3  
Non-Institutional Population 15 Years and Over 837.3 841.1 847.9 857.4 862.0
Labour Force 492.2 505.2 504.6 509.3 518.3
Persons With Jobs 401.0 406.0 404.6 415.5 424.5
Persons Without Jobs 91.2 99.2 100.0 93.8 93.8
Participation Rate (%)1 58.7 60.0 59.5 59.4 60.1
Unemployment Rate (%)2 18.5 19.6 19.8 18.4 18.1

Source: Central Statistical Office 1. Labour force as a percentage of non-institutional population 15 years and over. 2. Persons without jobs as a percentage of the labour force.

Labour Rates For Selected Industries (Hourly US$)

Wages vary from industry to industry. Minimum rates have been established in some agricultural, distribution, and certain enterprises, but wages are normally well above those set. Overtime rates are fixed in union agreements.

Unless stipulated in a union contract, payment of bonuses is dependent on corporate policy.

Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act

The Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act of 1985 lays down minimum severance pay which is payable in the event of redundancy. Union agreements will usually provide for three (3) to four (4) weeks severance for each year of service.

Working Hours, Holidays & Leave

A typical working day begins at 8.00 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m., resulting in a 37.5 hours working week (excluding lunch hours). There are fourteen (14) statutory holidays and two (2 ) unofficial ones for Carnival. Vacations vary from ten (10) working days upwards depending on length of service, with casual, sick, and maternity leave entitlements usually set out in union agreements. These terms are often applied to non-unionised employees in the same company as well.

Name Date
New Year’s Day 1st Jan
Carnival Days Not Official
Good Friday (As decreed)
Easter Monday (As decreed)
Spiritual Baptist Liberation Shouter Day 30th March
Corpus Christi (As decreed)
Indian Arrival Day 30th May
Labour Day 19th June
Emancipation Day 1st August
Independence Day 31st August
Republic Day 24th Sept
Eid-ul-Fitr (As decreed)
Divali (As decreed)
Christmas Day 25th Dec
Boxing Day 26th Dec

Trade Unions

Employees may choose whether or not to join a union. The majority of workers including civil servants, teachers, members of the police force and fire services are represented by trade unions. Via the Industrial Relations Act, under which the Industrial Court is established, power is given to that court to settle trade disputes, prevent inappropriate industrial action and register collective agreements. Services deemed ‘essential’ such as electricity, water, health, fire, communications, and sanitation are prohibited from undertaking industrial actions such as strikes and lockouts.

Social Security

All employees between the ages of sixteen (16) and sixty-five (65) are covered by the National Insurance System, on an earnings-based system of benefits and contributions. Contributions are made, two-thirds by employer and one-third by employee, on a weekly or monthly basis. The employer is responsible for submitting payment of the full amount to the National Insurance Board after deducting the employees’ share from their wages. This contribution is also required of foreign employees. Employees must also pay a health surcharge deducted by their employer on a weekly or monthly basis, or if self-employed, must remit the health surcharge on a quarterly basis. More details about Trinidad and Tobago Social Security Programme

Labour Exchange

The National Employment Service of the Manpower Unit of the Ministry of Labour and Co-operatives screens, registers, interviews and counsels nationals seeking employment. A skills bank is maintained of managerial, clerical, secretarial, technical, manipulative and unskilled categories of workers, and supports the placement of individuals in companies requesting assistance in recruiting staff. The service is provided free of charge.

  • Labour Resources of Trinidad and Tobago

    • Getting Labour Market Information:

      The Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development provides a host of services for employers, Labour Unions, and individual workers. These functions include Administrative Services, Conciliation Services, Occupational Safety and Health Issues, Labour Inspectorate Services, Library Services, Research and Planning Services, Trade Union Services, and, Friendly Societies Services. In addition, Co-operative Activities and Employment Services are also provided by the Ministry. Any member of the public may access information on the labour market free of charge by following the link below. A catalogue of reports on labour market information is available from the Central Statistical Office for a cost of TT$20.00.

      Central Statistical Office
      80 Independence Square
      Port of Spain
      Trinidad
      Tel. (868) 623-5117 Ext 4119/4121
      Fax. (868) 625-3802
      Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday except public holidays

      Research and Planning Division
      Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development
      Level 6
      International Financial Complex
      Waterfront Tower C
      Wrightson Road
      Port of Spain
      Trinidad
      Tel. (868) 625-8478 Ext 1103/1314, 625-7697
      Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, except public holidays.
      Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development: http://www.molsmed.gov.tt/
      Central Statistical Office website: http://www.cso.gov.tt/

    • Labour Relations and Conflict Management

      A Union or an Employer may make a report of a dispute in writing, to the Minister of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development. Both parties invoved in the dispute may be invited to participate in conciliation proceedings. Conciliation Unit's offices are open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, except public holidays.

      Conciliation Unit
      Level 6,Duke Place
      50-54 Duke Street
      Port of Spain
      Trinidad, West Indies
      Tel. (868) 299-0300 Ext 2124

      San Fernando
      40-42 St. James Street,San Fernando
      Tel. (868) 652-1062 or 652-1056

      Tobago
      Level 3, NIB Mall
      Scarborough
      Tel. (868) 635-0944

      For more information, please visit one of the offices listed above, or contact the Conciliation Unit's head office:
      Conciliation Unit
      Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development
      Level 6,Duke Place
      50-54 Duke Street
      Port of Spain
      Trinidad, West Indies
      Tel. (868) 299-0300 Ext 2124
      E-mail: lab...@gov.tt
      Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

    • Workers' Rights

      You would be interviewed by a Labour Inspector, who would complete an official complaint form that captures information about you and your employer:

      • The name of the business.
      • The owner of the business.
      • The address and telephone number of the business
      • Your name.
      • Your address and telephone number.
      • Your position in the business.
      • Any other information relevant to your complaint.

      You can make a complaint about rights infringements at any of the offices listed below:
      Labour Inspectorate Unit,
      Level 3, Duke Place, 50 – 54 Duke Street,
      Port of Spain.
      Trinidad, West Indies.
      Tel. (868) 299-0300, 623-1823
      Opening hours: 8:15 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

      Labour Inspectorate Unit,
      3rd Floor, Hosein’s Building,
      40 – 42, St. James Street,
      San Fernando.
      Trinidad, West Indies.
      Tel. (868) 652-7002
      Opening hours: 8:15 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday except public holidays.

      Labour Inspectorate Unit,
      N.I.B. Mall,
      Scarborough,
      Tobago, West Indies.
      Tel./Fax. (868) 635-0944
      Opening hours: 8:15 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday except public holidays.

      District Revenue Office,
      6 Prince Street,
      Arima.
      Trinidad, West Indies.
      Tel. (868) 667-3473
      Opening hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, every second Tuesday, except public holidays.

      Co-operative Division,
      Brierley Street,
      Sangre Grande.
      Trinidad, West Indies.
      Tel. (868) 668-7604
      Opening hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, every second Tuesday except public holidays.

      One Stop Career Resource Center,
      Corner John and Lange Streets,
      Chaguanas.
      Trinidad, West Indies.
      Tel./Fax. (868) 665-6658
      Opening hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, every third Thursday, except public holidays.

      One Stop Career Resource Center,
      Siparia Administrative Complex,
      Siparia.
      Trinidad, West Indies.
      Tel. (868) 649-0982
      Opening hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, every first Tuesday, except public holidays.

      Co-operative Division,
      Corner Mota and Elie Streets,
      Rio Claro.
      Trinidad, West Indies.
      Tel. (868) 644-2277
      Opening hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, every second Tuesday except public holidays.

      One-Stop Career Resource Centre.
      354 Merri Mac Street, La Brea.
      Tel. (868) 651-1595.

    • Registering a Trade Union

      It is necessary to register all trade unions in order for them to be legally compliant and recognised. Registration also gives trade unions and their members benefits such as protection from legal prosecution, as outlined in the Trade Union Act. Contact to any District Revenue Office, where a fee of TT$5.00 must be paid and a receipt would be issued:
      Trade Unions Unit
      Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development
      Level 13, Riverside Plaza
      Besson Street
      Port of Spain
      Trinidad, West Indies
      Tel. (868) 623-4241-7 Ext 2065
      Fax. (868) 625-9321
      E-mail: lab...@gov.tt
      Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
      District Revenue Office locations: http://www.ird.gov.tt/load_page.asp?ID=7
      For more information please visit the Registrar of Trade Unions website: http://www.labour.gov.tt/mlcweb/about/trade_unions.htm

    • Personal Safety Concerns at Work and Occupational Health and Safety Enquiries and Complaints

      Employers and employees can seek advice on how to create a safe workplace or lodge complaints about unsafe working conditions. You can seek advice about creating a safe working environment or make a complaint about unsafe conditions by contacting your County Medical Officer of Health by Telephone, Completing a "Complaint for Investigation" form at a CMOH office, or Sending a letter. For more information, please contact your County Medical Officer of Health, the Chief Public Health Inspector or visit the Ministry of Health website.

      Chief Public Health Inspector
      Henry Street
      Port of Spain
      Trinidad
      Tel. (868) 625-9437
      Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays
      Ministry of Health website: http://www.health.gov.tt/applicationloader.asp?app=articles&id=745

      • County Medical Officers of Health Offices:

        Caroni CMOH
        Southern Main Road
        Couva
        Trinidad
        Tel. (868) 636-3960-1
        Fax. (868) 636-3960
        Email: cmoh...@tstt.net.tt

        Nariva / Mayaro CMOH
        Cor. Doughdeen and De Verteuil Streets
        Rio Claro
        Trinidad
        Tel. (868) 644-2320
        Fax. (868) 644-0568
        Email: e...@tstt.net.tt

        St. Andrew / St. David CMOH
        Cor. Blake Avenue and Eastern Main Road
        Damarie Hill
        Guaico
        Sangre Grande
        Trinidad
        Tel. (868) 668-2053/2055
        Fax. (868) 668-3532

        St. George Central CMOH
        21 Third Street
        Barataria
        Trinidad
        Tel. (868) 675-5272/5281, 674-4363
        Fax. (868) 675-5253

        St. George East CMOH
        Arima Health Facility
        Queen Mary Avenue
        Arima
        Trinidad
        Tel. (868) 667-3693/3479
        Fax. (868) 667-3693
        Email: cmoh...@hotmail.com

        St. George West CMOH
        3 Jerningham Place
        Belmont
        Trinidad
        Tel. (868) 624-3439
        Fax. (868) 624-9169
        Email: nwr...@cablenett.net

        St. Patrick CMOH
        Health Administration Office
        Siparia Administrative Complex
        Allies Street
        Siparia
        Trinidad
        Tel. (868) 649-1227
        Fax. (868) 649-1827

        Tobago
        Scarborough Health Centre
        Robinson Street
        Scarborough
        Tobago
        Tel. (868) 639-2295
        Fax. (868) 639-3110

      For more information about the Occupational Safety and Health Authority contact including the name of the company, the location of the company, and the nature of the complaint:
      Occupational Safety and Health Authority
      Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development
      Duncan Street Complex
      Corner Independence Square and Duncan Street
      Port of Spain
      Trinidad, West Indies
      Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays
      Tel. (868) 623-OSHA (6742)
      Fax. (868) 624-6591
      Website: www.molsmed.gov.tt

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