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Labour Day 2025: Hurst Urges Youth to Embrace Trade Unionism’s Legacy
As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to mark Labour Day 2025, Government Spokesman Lionel Hurst is calling on the nation’s youth to connect with the roots of the trade union movement and build on the legacy of resilience forged by earlier generations.
Speaking ahead of the annual commemoration at the VC Bird bust, Hurst reflected on the transformation of the country’s labour landscape—from a time when union leaders were self-taught to a modern era where many enter the movement with academic qualifications.
“Our union leaders were autodidacts.
Today’s leaders start with degrees,” he said, contrasting the early pioneers—many of whom taught themselves to read, write, and speak in Parliament—with the university-educated professionals now leading the charge.
The theme this year is notably forward-looking.
Hurst emphasised the need for young workers to appreciate the historical struggles that secured today’s labour rights, and to recognise the importance of adapting to future challenges—including artificial intelligence and automation, which threaten to displace traditional roles.
He also hailed the introduction of paternity leave for government workers as an example of evolving worker rights, noting that policy changes like these reflect both social progress and the enduring relevance of union advocacy.
This year’s Labour Day observance comes amid rising discussion about the politicisation of unions, generational shifts in workplace culture, and a renewed push to preserve the history of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union.
For Hurst, the future lies in the hands of a new generation—one that must remain grounded in the values of solidarity, justice, and education.
“They’re starting ahead of where their predecessors began,” he said. “Now, they must push even further.”
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Ain’t nothing wrong with knowing yuh history, but the unions need to show relevance today, not just talk ’bout the past.
Love this message! Young people need to understand that rights on the job weren’t handed out — they were fought for.
I think it’s time unions adapt to the new work culture — gig work, digital jobs, remote work.
Union? These days most ah dem just sleepin’ next to politicians.
Union dues feel like another tax unless they actually doing something.
Is that a call to be made by politicians or by trade unionists?
The AT&LU is affiliated to the ALP.
Is The ALP calling on youth embrace trade unionism.
Is that a call to embrace the AWU or the FTU also?
It is an interesting call by the ALP while at the same time in a sinister way engaging in union busting and seeking to form another union.
Right call. Wrong messenger!!!!!