(Antigua Observer)The Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU) has accused the government of failing the working class, demanding an immediate move to a $13 livable wage as the trade union movement marked 75 years of struggle.
Speaking outside Freedom Hall at the union’s Labour Day rally, ABWU President Kem Riley said workers deserve more than a minimum wage that barely covers survival.
ABWU President, Kem Riley
“Every worker deserves a wage that does not meet the bottom line but provides a life of dignity,” Riley told supporters. “We are therefore calling on the government to move away from a minimum wage and to increase workers’ wage to $13 as recommended by the minimum wage committee.”
Riley said relief was urgently needed from rising fuel prices, high utility costs, and taxes squeezing families across the twin-island state. He also called for stronger safety nets, including healthcare access, childcare provisions, and the timely payment of pensioners.
The union’s strongest rebuke came from General Secretary and Senator David Massiah, who accused the administration of disregarding the recommendations of the minimum wage committee.
Massiah said the government’s decision to move the minimum wage to $11.50 ahead of April 1st fell short of what was advised.
“The very minimum wage committee that has met recommended to the government that the minimum wage should actually move to $12.50, at $12 in July 1st of this year, and that by the 1st of January 2027, they will move it to $13,” he said. “What has happened? The government does not care about you. The $13 will not come into play until 2028. Brothers and sisters, that is further hardship on the working class.”
The General Secretary renewed calls for a revised Labour Code, which he said has been under review for “umpteen years” with no movement. He argued that the new code must reflect modern realities, including a shorter work week, expanded maternity leave, and stronger provisions for mental wellness and workplace stress.
Massiah also pushed for severance protection legislation and an unemployment fund, citing the hardship workers endured during the COVID-19 period when many were left without a safety net.
“We don’t want what happened during the COVID situation to befall us again,” he said, adding that a tripartite arrangement between labour, employers, and government remained the best path forward.
Treasurer and Senior Industrial Relations Officer Fernando Samuel reminded members that the ABWU was the first to champion the $13.50 livable wage figure now in national debate.
“It was the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union that came up first with a minimum livable wage of $13.50, and we will continue to argue for that because workers must get a minimum wage that can take care of their family,” Samuel said.
The rally ended with members marching up Newgate Street through the capital under the union’s banner of “unity in diversity”.
By Kisean Joseph
