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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned that wage increases across Antigua and Barbuda must be matched by improved productivity, particularly in the public sector.
Speaking on the “Browne and Browne Show” on Point FM on Saturday, he said workers could not expect higher pay without delivering stronger performance.
“You cannot expect to be a laggard and get premium pay,” he said.
His comments come as the government rolls out recent wage measures, including an increase in the minimum wage to EC$11.50 per hour and a 5% salary rise for public sector workers implemented in March.
Browne said his administration also plans to move towards a living wage model, but stressed that it must be supported by sustained productivity.
“To sustain increased pay, we have to increase national productivity,” he said.
He also criticised inefficiencies in parts of the public service, saying improvements were necessary.
“I know that there are many laggards within the public sector. That has to come to an end,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged workers in both the public and private sectors to adopt a stronger work ethic, adding: “You have to put your shoulders to the plough.”
His remarks come amid long-standing concerns about slow service delivery and bureaucracy in parts of the public sector.
Despite the warning, Browne reaffirmed his government’s commitment to raising living standards, saying higher wages remain central to its economic agenda.
“We promise a better life,” he said, “but it requires the full contribution of all Antiguans and Barbudans.”
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Opps, here we folks! Brace yourselves, the backtracking and excuses are now being put in place.
Why didn’t Gaston Browne talk like this last week?
Oh well, you’ve got the Prime Minister YOU wanted and voted for🤣🤣🤣🤣
We ain’t seen nothing yet…
Probably saying that to appease the private sector who like to complain about public sector workers. Of course all persons in society should put in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. No one is a slave to society though. So, people should negotiate respectfully with one another regarding what is needed as opposed to trying to dominate one another. Inefficiencies can be caused by many things such as lack of equipment, poor planning of systems without listening to feedback, poor allocation of human resources – too many people working on one thing and not enough persons assigned to something else, etc. etc. Without knowing the hindrances that persons have to work through, it would be unfair to assume that persons are willfully underproductive. Also insufficient personal finances can affect productivity in many ways. Can’t work hard without healthy food, safe housing, comfortable clothing, affordable work tools, knowledge that family is being taken care of as desired, reliable transportation etc. So, paying persons more doesn’t necessarily mean they now have extra cash, they might just finally have barely enough to meet preexisting shortfalls and needs. They might be able to fulfill reasonable duties better but doesn’t mean they can have unreasonable extra demands dumped on them. Everything should be discussed and negotiated not assumed. The public bashing workers regularly and having them walk on eggshells all day every day also does not bring out the best in them. People need to be able to work in peace for long stretches of time to be productive. Better to speak in an uplifting manner as much as possible if productivity is truly sought.
It now here and it’s real. He’s exploring escape routes. Brace yourselves for increases on existing taxes and scale backs on social programs.