Trinidad and Tobago - Working conditions

Trinidad and Tobago has an established tradition of strong trade unions, especially in the key oil sector. The Oilfield Workers' Trade Union is part of the National Trade Union Centre, an umbrella grouping of unions that protects its members' interests as regards pay and working conditions. Labor legislation, as a result, is generally observed in Trinidad and Tobago, and working conditions are often good. Although workers receive on average only a third of what similar workers in the United States would earn, they are better paid than in many other low-wage economies. Statutory sick pay and other benefits are widespread, while job security, particularly in the heavy industries, is good.

There is little child labor, and women are well represented in most areas of work, except heavy industry and sugar production. Agriculture tends to offer the worst in terms of pay and conditions, and for this reason few younger Trinidadians are attracted to such work.