The executive of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) joins workers in
Antigua and Barbuda and around the world in celebrating Labour Day 2023.
The past three years have been some of the most difficult times for our country
since the mid-20 th century when the AT&LU fought for social justice for the
descendants of slavery who occupied the good land. The global health pandemic
and the war in Ukraine have significantly affected lives and livelihoods.
They have tested the fortitude of economic, social, and political foundations which
have been the bedrock of our people’s advancements over the years. Imported
inflation, job losses, and job insecurity are some of the main resultants of these
scourges which our people have faced through these years to present.
As day by day, we try to recover, the AT&LU is optimistic that there is hope for
the future. We have seen tangible signs of rebounding. Our union has been
steadfast and diligent in restoring workplace benefits, safeguarding workers’ rights,
and improving livelihoods.
Between March 1, 2022, and the present, the AT&LU has concluded 31 bargaining
units’ negotiations resulting in wages/salary increases ranging from 5.5 percent to
12 percent. Approximately 7,739 workers benefited from the increases. In one
instance, the workers at State Insurance Corporation received retroactive payments
amounting to $1.3 million which was shared among 111 workers.
Meanwhile, at the Industrial Court, the union has been equally successful in
defending workers’ rights. In one of these success stories, two workers were
awarded compensation of $454,686.02 and $130,416.76 respectively.
The AT&LU has also been successful in advocating for the government’s adoption
of ILO Convention 190 – the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the
World of Work. This materialized in May last year, making Antigua and Barbuda
the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to do so.
The AT&LU remains committed to protecting and enhancing the rights and
benefits of workers in Antigua and Barbuda. In unity, we will continue to press on
in achieving the aspirations of decent work for all workers in the country.
Signed General Secretary
Alrick Daniel
