The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has successfully negotiated a 9 percent salary increase for employees of A. S. Bryden Antigua Ltd.
According to the ABWU, the increase will be implemented in increments of 3 percent over a period of three years.
A. S. Bryden’s Human Resource Officer, Lucette James, said the wholesale distribution company and the union have forged a long-standing relationship “based on mutual respect, trust and communication”.
James added that the company recognised that “employees had been through a lot” over the past two years and had been “extraordinarily patient”.
The HR officer described the negotiations as cordial and commended the newly assigned ABWU Industrial Relations Officer, Hugh Joseph, for facilitating a smooth transition.
James also heaped praise on the employees’ shop steward, Kenard Bonnie, whom she credited with providing sound leadership for the staff.
James added that the A.S. Bryden Antigua Ltd. is hopeful for the future and considers the new agreement an investment in its employees.
Meanwhile, the ABWU’s Joseph said the discussions yielded a satisfactory outcome and added that the union is eagerly anticipating the next round of negotiations.
The new Collective Agreement covers the period January 2023 – December 2025.
Last week, the ABWU announced that it had secured a wage increase on behalf of line staff at KFC Antigua for the period 1st October, 2022 to 30th September, 2025.
The increase will be Year 1 – $15/weekly; Year 2 – $13/weekly and Year 3 – $13/weekly.
The starting wage for new hires will also increase from $9.00 per hour to $9.50.
Additionally, it was agreed that some employees, based on their years of service, will benefit from further wage adjustments.
