The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) and the management of the local KFC franchise have agreed on a wage increase for the fast-food chain’s employees.
Word of the wage increase follows the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement.
The increases will be implemented over a three-year period on the following schedule: Year 1 – $15/week; Year 2 – $13/week and Year 3 – $13/week.
The new agreement also increases the starting pay from $9.00 per hour to $9.50.
Some staff members will also benefit from additional wage adjustments based on their years of employment with the company.
ABWU industrial relations officer, Hugh Joseph, described the tone of the negotiations as cordial, despite some differences. He said both parties “did what was in the best interest of the employees and the continued successful operation of the business”.
KFC’s General Manager, Tessa Hesse, said the agreement comes as the company is still recovering from the fallout of the pandemic and facing increases in production costs.
Notwithstanding these challenges, Hesse noted that KFC Antigua has been proud of its ability to maintain full employment through difficult times.
Throughout the negotiations, she added that the company remained mindful of the rising cost of living and was committed to providing relief to its employees.
Hesse said it gave KFC “great pride” to make good on the agreement.
Executive Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Employers Federation (ABEF), Arlene Martin, said through close cooperation with KFC Antigua, the union was able to conclude negotiations in record time.
Martin highlighted the fact that the ABEF plays a critical role in assisting companies to negotiate labour agreements.
The new agreement covers the period 1st October, 2022 – 30th September, 2025.
