The Department of Labour has launched a major push to improve compliance within Saint Lucia’s private security industry after revealing that the sector consistently generates one of the highest volumes of workplace complaints in the country.
In what officials described as a first-of-its-kind engagement, private security companies met with the Department on July 8 to address recurring labour disputes, clarify employers’ legal obligations under the Labour Act, and strengthen workplace practices across the industry.
Deputy Labour Commissioner Nicolai Lansiquot said the initiative was driven by years of complaints involving unpaid wages, unlawful employment practices and workplace disputes.
“Over the years, the Department has observed that security companies account for a significant number of complaints relating to wages, conditions of employment and termination of employment. Through inspections, investigations and conciliation proceedings, we have identified several recurring areas of concern. This engagement provides an opportunity to address those issues directly, improve understanding of the law and promote voluntary compliance before matters escalate into formal disputes,” Lansiquot said.
According to the Department, the most common violations uncovered during investigations include the failure to issue legally compliant payslips, incorrect overtime calculations, non-payment of public holiday rates, breaches of statutory rest periods, poor record keeping, misuse of fixed-term contracts, and shortcomings in disciplinary and termination procedures.
While acknowledging the unique demands of the security industry—including shift work, extended schedules and around-the-clock operations—the Department stressed that employers are still legally required to comply with the minimum standards established under the Labour Act.
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Labour Hon. Emma Hippolyte praised the vital role played by private security officers and the companies that employ them, noting that the sector is critical to public safety, business continuity and the wider economy.
“The Government values the important contribution made by private security officers and the companies that employ them. The sector provides essential services across our economy and contributes significantly to public safety and business continuity. At the same time, compliance with the Labour Act remains critical to maintaining fair, stable and productive workplaces for both employers and employees,” Hippolyte said.
The Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to fostering a business environment that supports economic growth while protecting workers’ rights.
“Good industrial relations benefit everyone—employers, employees and the wider community. Our goal is to work alongside industry stakeholders to strengthen employment practices, improve compliance and ensure that workplaces remain fair, respectful and productive,” she added.
The Department of Labour says it will continue engaging stakeholders across the private security industry as part of ongoing efforts to reduce workplace disputes, strengthen compliance with the Labour Act and improve industrial relations across the sector.
