Labour Ministry Recovers Over $200M in Unpaid Wages

In a significant step towards safeguarding workers’ rights, the Ministry of Labour has successfully recovered over $200 million in unpaid wages for workers across the country over the past four years.

This includes an impressive $31.7 million recovered in just 2024 alone. Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, shared these encouraging figures during a press briefing held on Tuesday at the ministry’s headquarters.

He highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of workers, emphasizing the continued focus on ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.

Cracking Down on Wage Theft and Employer Evasion Tactics

Minister Hamilton also addressed the ongoing challenge of employers attempting to evade accountability. He revealed that many companies involved in wage theft had adopted deceptive tactics to avoid facing consequences. Some employers, he explained, frequently changed the names of their businesses to skirt legal action and continue withholding workers’ pay.

“One of the tactics that we are seeing is that some companies, after committing wage theft, will change their business names. For example, security companies that once operated under one name can quickly rebrand and avoid responsibility for their actions.

In 2024, they rob people, and by 2025, they’re under a completely different name,” Hamilton explained, stressing the difficulties in tracking down companies that engage in these practices.

Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Labour remains determined to hold these employers accountable. Minister Hamilton assured that the ministry’s robust efforts to recover unpaid wages would continue, with a particular focus on ensuring that no worker is left behind.

Innovative Initiatives to Support Workers

In addition to recovering wages, the Ministry has introduced several innovative initiatives to make it easier for workers to report complaints and access support. Minister Hamilton pointed out the newly launched Labour App as a key tool in empowering workers who may otherwise be hesitant to lodge complaints.

“The app provides workers with an easy and confidential way to report grievances, especially for those who fear retaliation from their employers. This allows the Ministry of Labour to intervene and take appropriate action without workers having to worry about losing their jobs,” said Hamilton.

The app is part of a broader strategy to enhance the ministry’s reach and responsiveness. The ministry has also implemented targeted outreach programs and held seminars to raise awareness about workers’ rights and the available support channels.

Ongoing Commitment to Labour Justice

While significant progress has been made, Minister Hamilton assured the public that the work is far from over. There are still many outstanding cases, and the ministry is committed to investigating and addressing all of them.

“We have made substantial strides in recovering wages and resolving complaints, but there is still much to be done. Rest assured, every case that is brought to our attention will be thoroughly investigated, and we will continue to hold employers accountable,” Hamilton stated.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to the many workers who have come forward to report unfair treatment, underscoring that their courage has been instrumental in pushing the ministry’s efforts forward.

He encouraged more workers to use the app and the ministry’s services, reinforcing that no one should ever be subjected to wage theft or mistreatment.The government’s commitment to improving the working conditions and ensuring fair pay for all remains steadfast.

With the recovery of millions in unpaid wages and the expansion of worker protection programs, the Ministry of Labour is sending a clear message: workers’ rights will be protected, and employers who violate those rights will be held accountable.

The Labour Ministry’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the government’s dedication to fostering a fair and just labor market, where workers can thrive without the fear of exploitation.