and Trade Practices - Bahamas
Released by the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs
U.S. Department of State, March 2000
e. Acceptable Conditions of Work: The Fair Labor Standards Act limits the regular workweek to 48 hours and provides for at least one 24-hour rest period. The Act requires overtime payment (time and a half) for hours in excess of the standard. The Act permits the formation of a wages council to determine a minimum wage. To date no such council has been established. However, in 1996 the government instituted a minimum wage of $4.12 an hour for non-salaried public service employees. The Parliament is considering a new minimum labor standards act, which will cover employees in both the public and private sectors. This act contains new guarantees of employees rights to paid vacations, sick leave, redundancy payments and protection against unfair dismissal.
The Ministry of Labor is responsible for enforcing labor laws and has a team of several inspectors who make on-site visits to enforce occupational health and safety standards and investigate employee concerns and complaints. The Ministry normally announces these inspections ahead of time. Employers generally cooperate with the inspections in implementing safety standards. A 1988 law provides for maternity leave and the right to re-employment after childbirth. Workers rights legislation applies equally to all sectors of the economy.
