The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) recently participated in a regional conference hosted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Barbados. The event, titled "The New Social Contract for Social Justice: A Trade Union Perspective for the Caribbean," brought together key stakeholders representing workers, employers, governments and intergovernmental organisations, to discuss the evolving global labour landscape and the role of trade unions in shaping a fairer future for workers.
The conference explored avenues for establishing a new social contract, highlighting the shortcomings of existing frameworks in adequately addressing the needs of workers and societies. Participants engaged in discussions centered around two critical aspects of the proposed new social contract: macroeconomic policies aimed at fostering inclusive, decent job-rich productivity and economic growth, and the implementation of essential protections for all workers. Participants also examined the impact of climate change and environmental degradation on lives and livelihoods, emphasizing the need for just transitions.
The meeting further explored ways to strengthen labour institutions, as well as develop a common agenda and strategies for trade unions in the region to thrive. In his contribution to the meeting, Senior Industrial Relations Officer at the ABWU, Fernando Samuel, highlighted the need for better succession planning within union organizations. Samuel also underscored the importance of establishing a more cohesive relationship between regional unions and the Cipriani Labour College in order to facilitate the upskilling and reskilling of workers in a rapidly changing job market. Additionally, he called for the development of punitive measures against stakeholders who violate the principles and agreements of the social contract.
A key objective of the conference was the identification of specific areas where trade unions can better organize to serve workers in both formal and informal employment. Samuel took the opportunity to share strategies that the ABWU has successfully deployed to organise new workers. He noted the ABWU’s success in using new media platforms to inform, educate, and advocate for workers. Additionally, he highlighted the union’s membership card initiative, which provides an added incentive for workers to join the union. Another strategy shared with colleague unions was the ABWU’s cutting-edge digital membership management platform, which streamlines engagements between members and their union representatives.
Reflecting on the workshop, Samuel praised the Barbados Workers’ Union for its active role in the country’s legislative process, which has helped strengthen pro-worker bills and laws. "I do think that this is a strategy which the ABWU should seek to adopt by incorporating a formal political and legislative agenda into our strategic plan," Samuel said.
The ILO workshop provided a crucial platform for trade unions in the Caribbean to harmonize their collective voice and build strategies to advance workers' rights in an evolving economic landscape. The ABWU remains committed to accelerating action toward a just and equitable future for all workers in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider region.
