Workers and pay cuts in times of crisis

THE Minimum Wages Order 2012, which was enacted to increase workers’ standard of living and reduce poverty, makes it mandatory for employers to pay their workers the minimum wage stipulated in the Order. Workers are, however, entitled to contractually agree to higher wages than the minimum.

Further, an employer is not allowed to delay paying wages, as prescribed by the Employment Act 1955; this is no later than the seventh day after the last day of any wage period. Failure to pay the wages when they fall due is an offence and, if convicted, the employer can be fined.