Workers at the APUA Cooperative Credit Union can look forward to enhanced benefits following the signing of the first Collective Agreement between management and the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), which represents the employees.
Key highlights of the contract include the introduction of salary ranges, education leave, bereavement leave, and a long service award.
According to Senior Industrial Relations Officer Fernando Samuel, while the Credit Union had informal policies in place that benefited workers, the Collective Agreement now provides a legally binding framework that formalizes and enhances those benefits.
(L-R) Melissa Southwell, Orbin Anderson, Kerry-Ann Philip, Fernando Samuel
Samuel noted that the signing marks a significant first step towards ensuring that workers at the Credit Union receive benefits comparable to those offered in other financial institutions.
Office Manager at the Credit Union, Melissa Southwell, described the negotiations as a “learning experience”. She noted her satisfaction at the final outcome but expressed regret that the exercise was not completed sooner due to several internal delays.
President of the Credit Union, Orbin Anderson, echoed similar sentiments and commended the ABWU for its professional approach throughout the negotiation process.
The contract covers the period January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. Negotiations for the next Collective Agreement are scheduled to begin in October of this year.
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