Dear Editor,
I am currently employed by the Government of Antigua & Barbuda. In 2018, I joined the New Work Experience Program offered by the Labour Department. I was placed at a government office where I worked as a Data Clerk and Customer Service Representative (CSR).
I remained on the program for three years before being permanently hired in 2022, after the Government passed a mandate stating that all individuals on the program would receive permanent employment.
Now that discussions about backpay are circulating, the Government has stated that persons hired between 2018 and 2023 are entitled to receive compensation. Unfortunately, I was informed that I am not eligible.
Editor, this is deeply saddening because the Work Experience Program was originally designed to provide individuals with six months of work experience. Instead, many of us remained in positions for years, contributing our skills, talent, and labour while institutions benefited from our hard work far beyond the intended contractual period.
I, along with others who were hired under similar circumstances, feel unfairly stripped of benefits that should rightfully apply to us. The very program meant to help young people gain experience ended up allowing institutions to take advantage of our dedication and service for extended periods without granting us equal consideration.
I hope the relevant authorities will review this matter fairly and recognize the contributions of workers like myself who faithfully served throughout those years.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Employee
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