St. John’s, Antigua — 28 April 2022 — Officers and Executive Members of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union will address workers on several vexing issues at a public meeting tonight -Thursday 28 March. The meeting which is being held in collaboration with the United Progressive Party, forms part of this year’s week of activities in celebration of Labour Day.
Among the issues that will be addressed on the platform is the rising cost of living, the failure of the Government to review the minimum wage and the gross inefficiencies at the Labour Department. Other issues include the lack of job opportunities for young people, the shortage of personnel for skilled positions in the tourism sector and the failure of the Government to increase public sector wages and salaries in accordance with the rate of inflation.
This year’s Labour Week of Activities is being held under the theme “Workers Have No Confidence in This Government! We Deserve Better!” ABWU President, Kem Riley, says the theme “represents the thoughts and convictions of many of the workers in this country.” Speaking earlier this week, Riley chided the government for violating the rights of workers through its mandatory vaccination policy which saw hundreds of workers losing their jobs or being sent home without pay. To date, many of these workers have not been properly compensated.
The public meeting will take place at Bakers Corner, Point, 7:30pm. This venue was selected because of its historic and symbolic significance to the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union, whose initial membership comprised waterfront workers. The organising of these workers led to fundamental improvements in the treatment of workers throughout the island.
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union encourages workers to unite in the spirit of their forefathers, defend their rights, and secure a prosperous future!
