From humble beginnings to evolving into a formidable force in the socio-economic landscape of the nation, the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union stands tall as an example of what solidarity and dedication can achieve. One of the key themes that is repeated throughout the Union’s story of struggle is that the success of the whole rests on the efforts of each member, no matter how small or great that individual might be.
Sis. Lila Simon, at almost 90 years of age, is as dedicated and committed to the Union as she was when she first joined the institution in 1967, almost immediately after it was organised and registered in May of that same year. Simon fully immersed herself in the operations and activities, not intending to achieve status and recognition; she simply wanted to do her part in building an institution that would be transparent and prioritise the interest of workers.
Sis. Simon recalls that she met several other women who were heavily involved in the Union at that time. “Women played a very pivotal role in the union in those days. They were on the Executive…and it’s the women that brought awareness to other women to join the trade union,” Simon explains. “They formed a Women’s Council. We had people like Mrs. Ernie Dyer, Ruth Joseph, Evan Henry, Bessie John, Edris Knight and many others.”
One of the largest projects the Women’s Council undertook was the establishment of a typing class that boasted 24 typewriters, as well as desks and chairs sponsored by one of the Union’s overseas affiliates. Simon’s role in this project was simple, yet it made a difference in the students’ performance. “They put me to teach spelling…they said it will help the people who come to the typing school so that they could go faster; they would be familiar with the words,” Simon explains.
In 1978 Simon became a full-time employee of the Union. She recalls that those were difficult times for the institution that had now become the target of legislative maneuvers by a hostile Labour Party administration that had regained office in 1976. “The feeling in those days [was that] the Union should die. When you would [normally] do a contract for $300, Freeland, the Minister [of Labour] changed it to $6 and hard times came on the Union…that made it very difficult for us.”
According to Simon, the situation became so dire that some of the Union’s employees were paid every 6 weeks. “I had to keep in touch with the bank every day so that when you write cheques it doesn’t return and you have to pay the extra that you don’t have,” Simon recalls.
But through it all, Simon’s love and commitment to the Union never waned; it grew stronger! By this time, Simon was balancing her responsibilities as a Union employee with her volunteer work in the Women’s Council, in addition to serving as a trustee on the Union’s Executive, a position she retained until 2023.
Although juggling multiple roles, Sis. Simon would eagerly assume the position of caterer whenever the Union hosted functions for its overseas affiliates. “When we have people coming here from overseas I would cook and get a few ladies to be with me in the kitchen, and I have my office work to do you know,” Simon, glowingly recalls. “I would come down early, bake cakes, set up the snacks, and get the lunch going and the ladies would come and do all the other little things. Then, in the afternoon, we wash up and clean up the kitchen, then back to my work.”
While Sis. Simon speaks proudly of her labour of love, she expresses a deep sense of indebtedness to the Union for the multiple training and educational opportunities she was afforded over the years. From basic bookkeeping, Simon was elevated to the position of Office Manager before she eventually retired in 2007 . “The first training I went to was in Maryland. We spent six weeks there…I got training to go to Trinidad — two weeks with the Caribbean Congress of Labour,” Simon recounts. She was also the beneficiary of a two-year university training program in addition to multiple workshops across the Caribbean including Jamaica, Curaçao and St. Martin. “I have gained a lot from this Union; that’s why I continue with it…I am still a member of the Union; I still pay my dues!”
Sis. Simon anticipates even greater accomplishments by the Union especially with regard to the execution of more of its expansion plans, some of which were conceptualised since the 1970s. “I would like to see the Union start a credit union; they’ve been talking about it for years now.” Simon is also hopeful to see the Union undertake a housing project for its members, another project that has been in the pipeline for several years.
Sis. Simon’s remarkable story of devotion to her Union is an inspiration to union members everywhere. In her closing words, she leaves with us the secrets to strengthening the bonds of solidarity. “Be committed to the Union. And when you are committed to anything, you can move mountains,” Simon declares. “Be truthful to your membership. Visit your workplaces whether you’re having negotiations or not…People like to know you are there for them.”
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