USOT defends San Marino tourism sector against wage violation claims

The Unione Sammarinese Operatori del Turismo (USOT) has responded to allegations by the USL regarding sub-minimum wage payments in San Marino’s tourism sector. The dispute follows claims that some students were paid less than 4 euros gross per hour during the summer period.

USOT stated that while there is zero tolerance for companies violating contractual minimums, the association cautioned against labeling the entire hospitality and catering sector based on isolated incidents. USOT has called on the USL to provide specific data, including the number of pay slips analyzed and the exact number of companies and young workers involved, to determine the actual scale of the issue.

The association also clarified existing labor regulations. Under the Collective Labor Agreement, certain entry-level categories have specific pay protections, and while some reductions are permitted for higher categories, they are strictly capped. USOT further noted that the 70% social security contribution relief for students is subject to specific requirements and does not automatically justify lower compensation.