Forced vacation and vacation blackout periods were among the major concerns raised during a recent meeting of the Airlines and Aviation Section of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU).
The meeting brought together union leaders and shop stewards, providing a forum for them to raise workplace concerns, discuss industry developments, and identify strategies for addressing issues affecting workers throughout the sector.
Employees from one company voiced strong concerns over what they described as unjustifiable vacation blackout periods, which prevented them from taking leave during their preferred periods despite providing advance notice. Further, employees recalled instances where colleagues were forced off the compound and placed on leave.
ABWU General Secretary, David Massiah, committed to challenging this unlawful and unilateral position adopted by the company, noting that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code specifically requires mutual agreement between the employer and employee on the issue of vacation.
The meeting also focused on increasing union representation within the airline and aviation sector. Section Chair, Steveroy Phillip, stressed the importance of expanding union membership to ensure that more workers benefit from the protections and advantages afforded by collective bargaining agreements.
“Our goal is to get more of the handlers at the airport unionised so that they can access the same benefits as the rest of us,” Phillip said. “We encourage each of our members to speak with a colleague and help strengthen our collective voice.”
Phillip further noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to address concerns about employers who have been reluctant to grant workers occasional time off to participate in union activities. He stressed that such actions constitute a breach of the collective agreement.
Despite the challenges discussed, Phillip expressed optimism about the future of the section and expects growing participation as preparations continue for the Union’s 59th Annual General Conference, scheduled for September.
