Dominica has a Skilled Labour Force
Dominica’s minimum wage was last raised in September of 2021.
It varies according to the category of worker, with the lowest minimum wage set at about US$1.33 an hour and the maximum set at around US$2.03 an hour.
The standard workweek is 40 hours for five days of work. The law provides overtime pay for work in excess of the standard workweek.
Dominica has a labour force of about 32,630 (2009) persons, with a literacy rate of 95%.
The country’s technical and training needs are met largely by the local state college, which offer courses in skilled labour, including, plumbing, electrical engineering, air conditioning and refrigeration, masonry, carpentry, mechanical engineering, motor mechanics, typing and basic hotel skills.
There is also a pool of professionals to draw from, in fields such as law, medicine, business information technology and accounting.
Many of the professionals in Dominica trained in the Caribbean, the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom where, many of them gained work experience before returning to Dominica.
Investors will find workers anxious to learn and contribute towards the success of their venture.
LABOUR RATES
MINIMUM WAGE:
Minimum wage effective September 1, 2021.
| Category | EC$ |
|---|---|
| Agricultural/unskilled labour | $7.50 |
| Daily paid factory/tourism/ manufactorure workers | $7.50 |
| Juveniles/ trainee | $5.67 |
| Cashiers/receptionists | $7.25 |
| Sales persons/cashiers | $7.25 |
| Shop assistants | $6.75 |
| Janitors | $7.24 |
| Security guards | $8.00 |
| Cooks | $7.25 |
| vehicle drivers/ messengers | $7.50 |
| Bar tenders/ Servers/ room attendants/ Groundsmen/Public area attendants | $7.24 |
| Other unskilled workers (labourers, handymen | $7.50 |
| Weekly | |
| Home assistants with meals | $200.00 |
| Home assistant without meals | $250.00 |
| Live-in assistants | $220.00 |
NORMAL WORKING HOURS:
- Maximum 8 hours per day, or 40 hours a week
- No. of public holidays: 12
OVERTIME PAY:
In general, overtime remuneration is one and a half times the hourly pay for time normally worked in excess of 8 hours on normal working days; two times hourly pay for time worked on Sundays and on public holidays.
VACATION LEAVE ENTITLEMENT:
- less than five (5) years service – at least two (2) weeks/year
- five (5) or more years service – at least three (3) weeks/year
FRINGE BENEFITS:
- Employee’s contribution to social security as of 2021 moved to 6.25% and employers are required to contribute 7.25%. Contributions will increase annually by 0.25% alternatingly between employee and employer until 2031, to arrive at a final contribution of 7.5% by employee and 8.5% by employer.
IDA has been very helpful in assisting our business with the added investment and business expansion. Mr. Patrickson Victor’s professional service is greatly appreciated. Thank you IDA!