{"id":224086,"date":"2025-02-03T23:51:08","date_gmt":"2025-02-04T03:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=224086"},"modified":"2025-02-03T23:51:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T03:51:09","slug":"this-is-how-the-antigua-government-plans-to-support-new-hospitality-workers-union","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/this-is-how-the-antigua-government-plans-to-support-new-hospitality-workers-union\/","title":{"rendered":"This is how the Antigua Government Plans To Support New Hospitality Workers Union"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PM Browne: Government Will Support Hospitality Workers with New Union Initiative<\/p>

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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reiterated his support for the establishment of a hospitality-specific workers’ union, calling on hotel employees to take greater control of their representation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking on his weekly radio programme, Mr Browne criticised the Antigua and Barbuda Workers\u2019 Union (ABWU), accusing it of failing to secure adequate benefits for hotel workers. He argued that a dedicated union for the hospitality sector would better serve employees in one of the country\u2019s most vital industries.<\/p>

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\u201cThis is about empowering the workers,\u201d he said. \u201cFor too long, they have been shortchanged. A hospitality-specific union would give them direct control over their affairs and ensure they are properly represented.\u201d<\/p>

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The Prime Minister accused the ABWU of mismanaging union dues and prioritising political interests over the needs of its members. He also suggested that hotel workers have been left behind in negotiations, particularly concerning service charges and wage increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere are thousands of hotel workers contributing to the union, yet they have little to show for it,\u201d Mr Browne said. \u201cThey need a union that will truly fight for their rights and financial well-being.\u201d<\/p>

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The proposed hospitality union could offer several advantages, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n