Defending Workers’ Rights: 1967 Rebirth – Government wants to Control Unions.
The hotel industry in Antigua and Barbuda is vital to the nation’s economy, providing jobs, foreign exchange earnings, and growth opportunities. Yet, the recent unwarranted attacks by Prime Minister Gaston Browne on the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) have raised concerns about the government’s commitment to the protection of workers’ rights.
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union has long been the voice of the nation’s hospitality workforce, advocating tirelessly for fair wages, improved working conditions, and job security. The ABWU has a proven track record of representing workers during challenging times, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the union fought for severance payments, negotiated fair treatment for laid-off workers, and helped preserve jobs amid widespread uncertainty.
The Union’s commitment to its members has contributed not only to the well-being of workers but also to the overall success of the hotel industry. A supported and motivated workforce delivers better service, enhancing Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.
In a recent statement, Prime Minister Gaston Browne criticized the ABWU, making baseless inferences about the Union’s lack of representation. These remarks are unfounded and fail to recognize the critical role the union has played in fostering stability and fairness within the sector. The Prime Minister must realize that workers rely on the ABWU to ensure that their rights are protected, their voices are heard, and their contributions to the nation’s economy are valued.
Rather than vilifying the ABWU, it is imperative that all stakeholders including the government acknowledge and support the Union’s efforts. The ABWU has been instrumental in balancing the needs of employees with the financial realities of the hotel industry, advocating for sustainable solutions that benefit both workers and employers.
The Union’s initiatives, such as advocating for training programs and Medical Insurance housing for hotel employees and retirement fund, demonstrate its commitment to the long-term health of the industry. These efforts should be celebrated, not condemned.
As Antigua and Barbuda navigates the challenges of maintaining a thriving hotel industry, unity and collaboration between the government, unions, and businesses are essential. The ABWU’s decades-long dedication to workers’ rights has been a cornerstone of the industry’s success. Any attempts to undermine the union threaten not only workers but also the broader economic stability of the country.
Rather than attacking the ABWU, the government should work to strengthen its partnership with the union. Constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and shared goals will be the key to achieving a sustainable balance between protecting workers’ rights and ensuring the survival of the hotel industry.
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the nation’s workforce and economy. Its efforts deserve recognition and support, as they remain vital to the continued success of Antigua and Barbuda as a premier tourism destination.
Wanda Joseph-Hotel Worker
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The Prime Minister is using his BULLY PULPIT to try and kill the Antigua Workers’ Union even blind Budah can see that, I grieve for this country
Meck dem gwarn falla Gaston and farm union then them will experience what victimization really is. Memba 1 man own 5 hotel and a Gaston pardna he bee
Yes…Tap wid the ABWU and tek wha r u a get….and complain everyday….Garots: Chupit set a people!
THE GOVERNMENT BEHAVIOUR DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC SHOWS CLEARLY SPEAK VOLUME, NOT EVEN IT’S AFFILIATED UNION ATLU WAS NOT SPEARED THE WRATH AND DISRESPECT OF THE HIGHEST ORDER. THE ENTIRE LEADERSHIP OF THE ATLU WAS LAMBASTED …AND LATER REMOVED AT THE NEXT CONVENTION. THE TOP DAWG REMINDED THE UNION ATLU THAT THE SEAT OF POWER WITHIN THE UNION WAS THE ABLP
The suggestion for the Hotel Workers to form their own Union to bargain what is in their own best interest is an excellent. When one considers the amount of money paid into ABWU’s coffers annually for membership dues, ot is difficult to figure out why this initiative did not come from among the hotel workers themselves. They nag and complain but continued to display the battered spouse syndrome.The only thing that ABWU is good for is to weaponize the hotel workers’ rights to use them to sabotage the country’s development. Life does not have to consist solely of daily squabbling and threats. Workers, empower yourselves. Invest in training opportunities wherever and whenever they are offered. You’d be better able to represent yourselves intelligently and effectively.