JNF-The-Working-Class-Struggle-of-Half-a-Century

provided the major portion of the employment in St. Kitts. As late as
the nineteen thirties the rate paid to some sugar factory workers was one
shilling per twelve-hour day - one penny per hour. The rate paid to estate
workers was invariable one half of that - six pence per day - one
cent per hour. There was nothing known as overtime pay for work done
beyond normal working hours.
So the lot fell to organised Labour under the leadership of the
Workers League to seek the means of throwing off the yoke of exploitation.
In the struggle, the League got the support of other progressive
groups in neighboring islands. The first fruit came forth in December
1937 when the Labour (Minimum Wage) Act was passed in the Leeward
Island. This law provided that whenever the Government finds it necessary
steps should be taken to regulate the wages paid in any occupation
in the territory. Conditions of employment would have be investigated
with a view to fixing minimum wages which should be payable. The
investigation was to be done by an advisory committee which was to
include representative of employers and workers.
After considering the committee’s recommendations, the Government
would make an order setting out the lowest (minimum) rates of
wages payable. These could be in the form of time-rates, piece-rates or
overtime rates. There was nothing within the law to prevent an employer
paying more than the minimum rate to a worker. Often an employer,
when pleased with the quality of service given, rewarded the
worker with a ”merit increase” of pay as a token of appreciation. This
also encouraged the worker to improve his or her standard of service
where possible.
However it became an offence for an employer to pay less than
the minimum rate fixed by regulation. Every such employer was required
to keep records of wages paid to show that the law was complied
with. The burden was on him to prove that he had not paid less than the
minimum rate. The Act provided for the appointment of officers to investigate
complaints and otherwise to see that the law was carried out.
These officers were empowered to enter premises, inspect and examine
wages sheet or other records. Penalties were prescribed for any person
who hindered or molested such officers in the performance of their duty
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