Working conditions

Professional status for artists and work permit
There are no specific arrangements for work permit and professional status for the local artists. However, some artists achieve professional status by practicing their occupation full time and are able to obtain a reasonable livelihood.
Those artists, who are considered as professionals are able to secure some of the more lucrative opportunities and also command higher returns for their creations or services.

Health care system
There is a national health care system, which requires all workers to pay regular contributions in the form of a Health Surcharge, which is a small percentage of their salary/ income. However, all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are entitled to health care through the health care facilities provided by the state.

Private Health Care Scheme
Many private health care schemes are available but individual artists must determine if they want to access them.

Disabled artists
Disabled artists are not usually offered any special considerations. They are considered as any other individuals in the Society.

Administrative inspections of working conditions
Some working conditions are subjected to administrative inspections. Health and safety concerns are very important factors especially where there are large gatherings.

These inspections cover the safety considerations of the spaces and venues, in relation to the condition, capacity and exits of buildings. They also deal with other le al requirements including dance hall, bar and noise pollution licenses.

Governmental body in charge or labour inspections
The organizations that carry out these inspections include: the Police Service, the Fire Service and the Environmental Management Authority.
Penalties
Breach of the regulations can result in the curtailment of the specific function, closure of the establishment and the offending persons being charged and brought before the courts.

SOCIAL WELFARE

Insurance schemes
There is a National Insurance System that caters for all locally employed workers. This scheme provides benefits to cover illness, maternity, disability, retirement, etc

Social coverage is compulsory for all types of workers, who must faithfully make their financial contributions to the scheme.

Complementary insurance schemes
Most artists resort to complementary insurance schemes to ensure they have adequate coverage.

Administration of contributions
- The state supervises the National Insurance Scheme.
- The relevant firms administer the personal insurance plans.
- Some special interest groups have been attempting to develop Group Coverage for their members.

REMUNERATION

Minimum level of remuneration
Market forces dictate the level of payment to the various artists, although there exists a National Minimum Wage for workers in specific industries.

Payment System
Most artists are paid directly by the persons who secured their services, however, for special events (festivals), they sometime obtain their remuneration through their relevant professional organizations.
Bodies specifically concerned with the promotion of social dialogue include the National representative bodies and some of the religions organizations that sometimes deal with issues they consider to be very important.

Source: National Commission of Trinidad and Tobago for UNESCO, January 2005.