The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), in collaboration with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), recently hosted a two-day workshop on Stress Management, aimed at equipping workers and union representatives with practical tools to address mental health challenges and become advocates for wellness within their communities.
The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Syed Asif Altaf, Global Well-being Programme Coordinator for the ITF, and covered a range of critical topics including Understanding Stress, Managing Stress, Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of a First Responder and Peer Educator, and Stress Management with a focus on Young Workers and Women.
The initiative forms part of the ABWU and ITF’s ongoing efforts to place greater emphasis on workers’ mental and emotional well-being and foster more supportive workplace environments.
Addressing the workshop, ABWU General Secretary David Massiah urged workers to take a leading role in advocating for policies that prioritise mental wellness.
“The reality is that stress affects every workplace and every family. We must continue advocating for policies and workplace cultures that place mental health at the forefront and ensure workers have the support systems they need to thrive."
Dr. Altaf emphasised that one of the central goals of the training was to break long-standing stigma surrounding mental health discussions.
"ITF and the ABWU organised the training on mental health awareness and first responder because there’s lots of taboo and stigma around mental health. We have it, but we don't talk about it.” Altaf explained. “We want to change that concept, break the stigma and break the silence. We want to be champions and advocates of mental health awareness."
ITF Regional Secretary Edgar Diaz noted that the workshop was intentionally structured as a “train-the-trainer” initiative, designed to create a multiplying effect within workplaces and communities.
"We came together over these two days not only to reflect on the work the ITF has been doing, but also to provide expertise and knowledge to shop stewards and union representatives," Diaz explained. "The goal is for participants to become trainers themselves, to multiply and pass the information on to others. That’s the idea."
Diaz also expressed satisfaction with the positive reception and engagement from participants throughout the sessions.
One attendee described the workshop as a significant step toward improving workplace support systems and increasing awareness around mental health issues.
"I think the workshop was a good idea because in Antigua, people are not informed enough about mental health. This is a step forward that the Union is taking in helping workplaces,” the participant shared.
At the conclusion of the programme, attendees completed brief evaluations where they reflected on the training experience and shared feedback on the sessions. Participants were also presented with certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the workshop, marking their readiness to carry forward the knowledge and skills gained and serve as advocates for mental health awareness and support within their workplaces and communities.
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