(The Daily Observer) Young workers want better pay, healthier workplaces and room to grow, the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU) heard at its annual Youth Congress, held under the theme “Leading the change: Empowering young workers to shape the future of work”
ABWU President Blair Rose said salaries top the concerns young members raise every year, alongside toxic workplaces, mental health and limited chances for promotion. Senator David Massiah, in a message to the congress, which was convened on Tuesday, urged young members to take a more active role in the union.
Rose said many young people believe they do not have the same opportunities their parents and grandparents enjoyed.
“They don’t believe that they’re given the same opportunities that their parents were, grandparents, as in home ownership, being able to create wealth,” she said.
She said young workers also want more work-life balance and more respect from employers and colleagues. She added that the higher retirement age has made opportunities for advancement harder to reach.
“It feels like the totem pole of the goals keeps moving further and further away,” Rose said.
She added that the event gives the union a chance to hear directly from young members about the challenges they face.
“You know, I always say it, we’re going to have to work the longest, so the workplace should reflect what we want and what we need,” she said.
Massiah, who could not attend in person, said artificial intelligence, automation, digital technology and climate change are redefining how and where people work. He said young workers must not be passive observers of those developments.
“As a trade union, we must ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of workers’ rights, dignity, job security and fair opportunities,” he said.
He challenged young members to step forward rather than wait to be approached.
“Do not wait until leadership comes looking for you,” Massiah said.
He added that leadership is not simply about holding a position, but about accepting responsibility and having the courage to stand up for others.
All the congress speakers were under 35, according to Rose.
Senior Sergeant Ken Lawrence of the Community Police spoke to participants about avoiding crime, advising them that the best response to a tense situation is to walk away.
Youth advocate Amelia Williams of the Youth Parliament and tech entrepreneur Canice James also addressed delegates. Rose said James showed participants that success is possible without family wealth.
(L-R) Amelia Williams, Wendy Bideau, Joshua Pigott, Canice James
ABWU industrial relations officer and youth liaison Fernando Samuel encouraged young workers to push for better benefits, not just higher salaries.
Rose said she hopes each participant returns to work ready to discuss with colleagues what needs to change and how to raise it with management.
“We’re not trying to do it overnight, but we need to start changing the mindset so that it can start happening soon,” she said.
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