Registrar of Trade Unions for Dominica

The Registrar of Trade Unions in Dominica is a statutory office responsible for overseeing the registration, regulation, and compliance of trade unions in accordance with the country’s labour legislation, specifically under the Trade Unions Act and the Industrial Relations Act, Chapter 89:03.

Role and Responsibilities for the Registrar of Trade Unions

The Registrar plays a pivotal role in ensuring the legal functioning and accountability of trade unions operating in Dominica. Core responsibilities include:

• Registration of Trade Unions: The Registrar receives applications from trade unions seeking legal recognition. These applications must meet specific criteria including the submission of a constitution, list of officers, and statement of objectives.
• Approval of Rules: The Registrar reviews and approves the rules and internal regulations of each union to ensure alignment with national laws and worker protection standards.
• Maintaining the Trade Union Register: A central registry of all approved trade unions is maintained and updated by the Registrar, including records of financial returns, leadership changes, and compliance documents.
• Enforcement of Compliance: The Registrar is empowered to investigate complaints or irregularities within trade unions. In cases of non-compliance, such as failure to submit annual returns or holding illegal elections, the Registrar may issue directives or initiate procedures for deregistration.
• Support to Government and Labour Authorities: The Registrar advises the Ministry of Labour and the Industrial Relations Tribunal on matters involving trade union recognition, membership disputes, and legal interpretations.

Legal Standing

The Registrar’s office derives its authority from several legislative sources:

• Trade Unions Act
• Industrial Relations Act (Chapter 89:03)
• Relevant sections of the Labour Standards Act (Chapter 89:05)

These laws collectively empower the Registrar to act as both a regulatory body and a neutral arbiter between unions, employers, and state agencies.

Significance in Labour Relations

The work of the Registrar is vital in preserving the integrity of the trade union system in Dominica. By upholding transparency, legal compliance, and democratic standards within union operations, the Registrar helps promote stable and lawful industrial relations. This oversight ensures that workers’ rights to freedom of association are protected while preventing exploitation or misuse of union status.