The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) advises the public that industrial action is taking place today, Monday 9 March 2026, involving some employees covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between APUA and the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU). The Authority is closely monitoring the situation and has taken steps to maintain the delivery of essential services to the public.
APUA wishes to place on record that the Authority has continued to engage the AT&LU in good faith on all matters affecting employees. Discussions remain ongoing in relation to issues such as the Collective Bargaining Agreement and other longstanding matters. The Authority submitted counter proposals to the union in December 2025 and continues to await a response.
The Labour Code (1975), under Section K19, recognises the right to strike in Antigua and Barbuda as part of the country’s industrial relations framework. However, this right is subject to specific legal limitations where essential services are concerned.
APUA falls within the category of essential services as outlined in Article 2 of the Essential Services Act. As a provider of electricity, water, and telecommunications, the Authority is responsible for services that are fundamental to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the nation. Labour relations within these sectors are governed by the Essential Services Act (2008), which establishes the framework for dispute resolution and industrial relations in these critical areas.
Article 4 of the Act expressly prohibits industrial action by workers employed in services listed within the Essential Services Schedule. Any strike action undertaken within these services would therefore fall outside of the provisions of the law.
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority remains committed to constructive dialogue and a fair resolution of all outstanding matters through the appropriate legal and industrial relations channels. APUA will continue to act in the best interest of its employees, customers, and the nation while ensuring that essential services remain as stable and reliable as possible.
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The law does not prohibit industrial action by essential services providers in the country.
They CAN take industrial action.
Here is how.
They must give the management of the essential service body a minimum ot two weeks notice of their intention to take industrial action.
If during that two weeks their concerns are addressed it would avert the planned action.
However if the concerns are not addressed the action will come into effect on the date specified in the notice.
So, ANR don’t attempt to fool the people.
Yes.
I know that fooling the laboRATs is as easy as dying/death.
However this portal is not followed/read by laboRATs only.
Essential services, people hardly get water. It’s breach of contract why they’re protesting. Stop the Bovine Excretion drama
What essential services sir? The people have every right to do what they did or are still doing. The essential services in Antigua are not very essential at all. Remember, you were their position before you are where you are. Time is moving swifty and soon, you’ll be outta dey like those before you.