Commonwealth of Dominica • S.R.O. No. 49 of 2025

Labour Standards (Minimum Wage) Order 2025

Employee Toolkit Effective: 1 Dec 2025

Overview

Purpose of this toolkit

This toolkit helps employees understand their rights and responsibilities under minimum wage legislation. It explains what the minimum wage is, who is covered, how wages should be calculated, and what to do if there is a problem.

1

What is the minimum wage?

The minimum wage is the lowest hourly, daily, or monthly pay that an employer is legally allowed to pay an employee. It is set by law to ensure workers receive fair compensation for their labour.

Key points
  • Employers must not pay below the minimum wage.
  • The minimum wage applies whether you are paid in cash, by cheque, or electronically.
  • Tips, bonuses, gifts or allowances generally do not replace the minimum wage.
2

Who is covered?

Most employees are covered by minimum wage laws, including:

  • Full-time employees
  • Part-time employees
  • Temporary and seasonal workers
  • Domestic and service workers (where applicable)
4

Deductions from wages

Employers may make deductions only if they are:

  • Required by law (e.g. taxes, social security)
  • Agreed to in writing by the employee
Illegal deductions that reduce your pay below the minimum wage are not allowed.
5

Your rights as an employee

  • Be paid at least the minimum wage
  • Receive payment on time
  • Get a clear payslip showing hours worked and wages paid
  • Ask questions about how your pay is calculated
  • Make a complaint without fear of prejudice
6

Your responsibilities as an employee

  • Accurately record hours worked (where required)
  • Review payslips and payment records
  • Raise concerns early if you believe you are underpaid
  • Cooperate with investigations if a complaint is made
7

What to do if you are underpaid

Step 1
Speak with your employer or supervisor and request clarification.
Step 2
Keep records (contracts, payslips, time sheets, messages).
Step 3
Contact the Labour Division.
Step 4
File a formal complaint if the issue is not resolved.
8

Protection from prejudice

You should not be treated unfairly because you asked about or claimed your minimum wage rights.

An employer must not fire you, reduce your hours, or threaten/harass you because you raised a minimum wage concern.
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can my employer pay me less during probation?
A: No.
Q: Does minimum wage include overtime?
A: No. Overtime is usually paid at a higher rate.
Q: Can I agree to work for less?
A: No. Minimum wage rights cannot be waived.
Checklist

Quick checklist for employees

Tip: You can print this page and keep the checklist for your records.
Support

Where to get help

  • Labour Division / Ministry of Labour, Public Service Reform, Social Partnership, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
  • Trade unions
  • Legal aid clinic
This toolkit is for general guidance only and does not replace the law or official advice from officials of the Labour Division.