Exchanging experiences, identifying priorities and building strategies are some of the aims of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) Tourism Services Conference taking place in Antigua.
The conference brings together almost 80 delegates representing trade union organisations involved in the transportation and tourism sectors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Sen. David Massiah — ITF Tourism Services Section Chair and General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union, the local affiliate — said the wealth that tourism generates must be shared with the workers who deliver the experience. Massiah added that a sustainable approach that empowers workers will be critical for the survival of the industry. "We are building a strong strategy around people, power and planet to win a sustainable industry with good jobs for tourism workers,” Massiah said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Joan Carrot, underscored the importance of building strong relationships between workers, unions and the government. “Trade Unions have a unique capacity to shape and mould a tourism industry that can only be achieved by working in tandem with the respective government entities,” Carrot said.
ITF General Secretary, Stephen Cotton, outlined several challenges that persist in the tourism industry. “The tourism economy is fragmented, full of insecure work where many of the jobs are informal and don’t enjoy the social protections — like pensions and sick pay — that they should.” Cotton explained.
The ITF General Secretary called on tourism stakeholders to recognise the contributions of women, young workers and migrant workers, who he said comprise the majority of tourism workers.
Meanwhile, Cotton spoke on the issue of severance for the former employees of LIAT 1974 Ltd. In March, the ITF General Secretary extended an invitation to meet with Prime Minister Gaston Browne during the week of the conference. Cotton used the occasion to reiterate his invitation to meet. He said compulsory redundancy had to be done in a way that protects the workers in Antigua and also recognises the role of the rest of the region.
A highlight of Monday’s session was a solidarity action initiated by Sen. Massiah in support of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers. Since last week, the teachers have been staging industrial action to seek redress on several issues including the reclassification of teachers, improved security at school plants and timely negotiations on the collective bargaining agreement. Dozens of conference delegates stood together in support of the teachers. The action reverberated across international social media channels and global union organisations.
The Tourism Services conference concludes on Tuesday.
