Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda approves establishment of formal Grievance Procedure for the Civil Service

 Approval of Civil Service Grievance Procedure

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the establishment of a formal Grievance Procedure for the Civil Service, strengthening transparency, fairness, and accountability within the public sector.

Cabinet had previously agreed, on 2 August 2023, to form a Working Committee tasked with developing proposals for this framework. The Committee included representatives from key associations and unions—such as the Nurses Association, Teachers Union, Police Welfare Association, Public Service Association, Meteorological Officers, and Air Traffic Control Officers—alongside officials from the Labour Department, Legal Affairs, and the Establishment Department.

Following consultations, the Committee reached consensus on the framework, which Cabinet has now formally endorsed.

Key Elements of the Grievance Procedure

• Definitions clarified:
  • Complaint – Informal expression of dissatisfaction.
  • Grievance – Formal dissatisfaction requiring structured resolution.
  • Dispute – Conflict potentially escalating to strike or lockout.
• Representation rights:
  • Employees have the right to be accompanied or represented at any stage of the process.
• Step-by-step process:
  1. Initial discussion between the employee and their immediate supervisor.
  2. If unresolved, a written grievance may be submitted to the next level of supervision.
  3. A meeting with the Head of Department or Permanent Secretary must be held within five (5) working days.
  4. • If resolved, a written and signed agreement is prepared.
     • If unresolved, the Permanent Secretary must appoint an investigating panel of at least three persons within 5 days, with a report due within 10–20 working days.
     • Both parties may respond to the panel’s report. The Permanent Secretary is then required to issue a resolution or, if necessary, refer disciplinary matters to the Chief Establishment Officer.
• Special procedures:
  • If a grievance is lodged against a Head of Department, it escalates directly to the Permanent Secretary.
  • If a grievance is lodged against a Permanent Secretary, it escalates to the Chief Establishment Officer.
    
    This new grievance framework ensures that civil servants have a clear, fair, and transparent pathway to resolve disputes, while also protecting the rights of employees and maintaining accountability at all levels of government.

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