The Maternity Protection Act will be reviewed, the Labour Ministry confirmed.
The Act is one of several pieces of labour legislation, including the Minimum Wages Act, which will be put under the microscope.
The confirmation came following Minister Stephen McClashie’s budget presentation, where he said the Industrial Relations Act and the Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act will also be included.
Currently, the national minimum wage is set at TT$17.50 per hour or $2,800 per month per 40-hour work week.
Labour reviews
Speaking during his budget presentation, Mr McClashie said: “The Ministry is currently working with social partners in gathering inputs in reviewing and amending legislation including the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies Act, the Maternity Protection Act, the Minimum Wages Act, the Industrial Relations Act the Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act and its associated regulations.”
He said several pieces of legislation have already been brought before Cabinet for review.
Top priority
McClashie said labour matters remain a top priority.
“Labour legislation reform continues to be of utmost importance to the ministry. Our goal is to ensure a labour legislation framework that is modern, effective and innovative, that will contribute to a stable economy.”
The Ministry said other legislation surrounding sexual harassment in the workplace and child labour is also being reviewed.
McClashie said they will attempt to bring these and other labour-related matters before Parliament in 2023.