Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95) - Bahamas (Ratification: 1976)

Article 10 of the Convention. Attachment of wages. Further to its previous comments concerning the lack of limits within which the attachment of wages may be ordered in application of section 34 of the Matrimonial Causes Act, the Committee notes that in its report the Government indicates that while the Act does not specify statutory limits, the Supreme Court, in practice, exercises its discretion to ensure that wage attachment orders are fair and proportionate. It also indicates that judges take into account the financial circumstances of the individual subject to the attachment, including their ability to meet essential living expenses. While noting this information, the Committee recalls that, according to Article 10, the limitation must be prescribed by national laws or regulations. The Committee requests the Government to bring the law in conformity with the Convention in this regard.

Articles 14 and 15. Effective protection of wages of domestic workers and supervision of compliance. In previous comments, the Committee has requested the Government to indicate the manner in which the regular payment of the wages of domestic workers is monitored and how compliance with other forms of protection of their wages (in particular concerning possible deductions) is supervised in practice. The Committee notes that the Government indicates that: (i) domestic workers who experience delays, non-payment, or unauthorized deductions can file complaints directly with the Department of Labour, which investigates such cases and mediates between employers and employees; (ii) given that many domestic workers operate within the informal economy, steps are being taken to ensure that all workers in the informal economy transition to the formal economy, thereby regularizing their employment; and (iii) it is taking proactive steps to amend the Employment Act to ensure that domestic workers are included under Sections 61 and 73. The Committee requests the Government to provide additional information on the practical steps taken to date to ensure compliance as well as on any legislative development regarding domestic workers’ wage protection, including any amendment to the Employment Act.