Workers at the Mill Reef Club are set to benefit from increased wages and enhanced benefits following the signing of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Company and the Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union (ABWU).
The new agreement, which covers the period October 1, 2024 to September 31, 2027, delivers a 9% wage increase over three years, implemented in increments of 3% per annum, with retroactive payments.
Among the key benefits secured are strengthened protections for working parents. Mothers will now benefit from guaranteed service charge payments while on maternity leave, ensuring income stability during this critical period. Fathers will also see an increase in paternity leave, moving from five (5) days to seven (7) days.
Additionally, employees assigned to beach duties will receive a footwear allowance, recognizing the unique conditions associated with their work environment. The agreement further provides for increases in all existing allowances, including meal, spreader, call-out, and graveyard shift allowances.
The Union also successfully negotiated an improvement in the death-in-service benefit, which has been increased from 50% to 75% of severance pay, to be provided to the designated beneficiary.
Importantly, the new Collective Bargaining Agreement formally settles the long-standing public holiday pay issue, affirming that all workers will receive their full public holiday pay entitlements.
President and Senior Industrial Relations Officer of the ABWU, Kem Riley, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations:
“I am satisfied that the staff are now in a better position and we will continue to build upon this in future negotiations.”
The ABWU remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for fair wages, improved benefits, and dignified working conditions for all workers. This agreement represents another significant step forward in strengthening industrial relations and ensuring that workers share meaningfully in the success of their workplaces.
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