Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced major labour law reforms after Cabinet approved amendments to the Maternity Protection Act and the Retrenchment and Severance Benefits Act, clearing the way for the introduction of paternity and parental leave in Trinidad and Tobago.
In a post on her X account on Sunday, January 11, Persad-Bissessar described the approvals as “major wins for working families,” noting that the reforms are intended to modernise workplace protections and better reflect contemporary family realities.
The changes, first outlined publicly by Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste at a United National Congress news conference in Chaguanas, will for the first time formally recognise paternity leave and parental leave in national legislation. The benefits will extend beyond biological fathers to adoptive parents and guardians, and will also apply in cases where a mother dies following childbirth, allowing fathers or guardians to access parental leave.
Baptiste said Cabinet has already approved the amendments and confirmed they are now before Attorney General John Jeremie for drafting, ahead of their introduction in Parliament.
Among the measures outlined by the Prime Minister are paid breastfeeding breaks, stronger protections against workplace discrimination, a ban on pregnancy testing for job applicants and employees, and a guarantee that workers can return to the same job after maternity, paternity, or parental leave. The reforms will also shift the burden of proof onto employers in workplace disputes, extend full labour protections to contract workers, and introduce mechanisms to fast-track cases through the Industrial Court.
A long-criticised provision limiting maternity benefits to once every 24 months will also be removed. Baptiste said the restriction was “contrary to the general rules,” adding that women should not be penalised for becoming pregnant twice in one year.
Addressing breastfeeding protections, the Labour Minister said lactating mothers will be statutorily entitled to paid time for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk, with no penalty. The amendments will also prohibit demotion or loss of pay linked to paternity leave or breastfeeding breaks and guarantee the same job, pay, and employment conditions upon return. He noted that employers who breach anti-discrimination provisions could face fines.
Persad-Bissessar used her announcement to speak directly to young women, stressing that family life and professional ambition need not be at odds. “You do not have to choose between a career and a family — you can have both,” she said.
She also highlighted the role of women in national development, stating: “Our nation was built by generations of women who ensured their children had better lives in a stronger, more progressive country.”
Baptiste described the legislative changes as transformative, saying they would have an impact on women, fathers, adoptive parents, and contract workers, while providing safeguards for employees facing job loss. He added that consultations have been held with trade unions and employer groups, including JTUM, NATUC, and the Employer Consultative Association.
The reforms are expected to rank among the most far-reaching labour law changes in recent years, with wide-ranging implications for employers, employees, and families across Trinidad and Tobago.
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