
Browne Doubles Down on Calls for New Hospitality Workers’ Union
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has renewed his push for the formation of a dedicated hospitality workers’ union, arguing that the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has failed to effectively represent employees in the tourism sector.
During his latest radio interview, Browne criticized the ABWU’s leadership, alleging that the union is politically compromised and has not done enough to secure better wages and benefits for hotel workers.
Browne accused the ABWU of prioritizing politics over worker advocacy, pointing out that the union is closely aligned with the opposition and has neglected key issues such as service charge transparency and wage increases.
He stated that many hotel employees have long complained about mismanagement of service charge funds, yet the union has failed to conduct proper audits or challenge employers on behalf of workers.
“The ABWU has collected millions in union dues over the years, yet what have they done for hotel workers?” Browne asked. “We are talking about the largest workforce in the country, and they are being left behind.”
He further claimed that certain union officials have financial ties to major hotel employers, compromising their ability to advocate for workers effectively.
“How can you represent workers fairly when you’re receiving contracts and benefits from the same employers you are supposed to be negotiating against?” he questioned.
Browne’s call for a new, independent hospitality union aims to empower hotel employees to have greater control over their union dues and representation.

He suggested that a sector-specific union could provide better bargaining power, financial transparency, and additional benefits such as access to housing and credit union services.
His proposal has sparked mixed reactions, with some workers expressing interest in the idea, while ABWU representatives denounced the push as politically motivated.
However, Browne dismissed such criticisms, stating that the decision ultimately lies with hospitality workers themselves, who must decide whether they are satisfied with the ABWU’s leadership or prefer an alternative.
He also hinted at potential government support for the new union in areas such as land allocations for worker housing projects and access to small business loans.
However, he maintained that the government would not directly control or fund the union, emphasizing that it should be led and managed exclusively by hospitality workers.
With tourism being the backbone of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy, Browne’s push for a stronger, more focused representation for hotel workers could reshape labor dynamics in the sector.
Whether the initiative gains traction will likely depend on worker participation and the response from major industry players.
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It’s encouraging to see the Prime Minister advocating for hospitality workers, as they often face long hours and low wages. A strong union could help address these issues and give workers a greater voice. However, the focus should also be on strengthening existing unions rather than creating divisions within the labor movement. Instead of forming a new union, improving collaboration and effectiveness of current worker representation might be a better approach to achieving meaningful change.
The formation of a new union must be done transparently and without political influence to truly serve the interests of workers rather than becoming another tool for political leverage.
This man (gaston) is a total f***ing idiot (in my opinion).
He has the gall to allege that the A.B.W.U.’S leadership is politically compromised?
Isn’t his f***ing government politically aligned to the Antigua Trades & Labour Union?
He has the gall to say that the A.B.W.U. has neglected key issues, for example wage increases?
His government just gave to public servants and his union just accepted from him, 0% pay increase for 2021, 0% pay increase for 2022 and 0% pay increase for 2023.
This man is a f***ing idiot.
The present union agreement between his government and his union is currently not completed for two (2) years, to include the year 2025.
If his union does half of what the A.B.W.U. does for their members, their members would live like kings and queen.
Wake to hell up Antiguans.
Why so angry and disrespectful, i guess you are the only one in Antigua that is awake,.it’s time for you guys to stop collecting people’s money .meaning employees and wine and dinning with the employers.you all only have strength for government because government don’t give brown paper bags ,,white envelopes and foil papers.no one in the ANY UNION ,have the moral authority to criticize, any body especially Pm Browne, when he speaks ,he is doing it from a place of authority and knowledge of are you bad deeds., greed and corruption. You all care less about workers right .GOOD STUFF FORM THE HOSPITALITY UNION. Tech that ! We are awake.
We need the hotles to stop robbing staff of service charge and pay local managers a fair package these expats coming to our shores getting red carpet treatment and don’t do fuck all, their children school fee paid, they get housing, medical, transportation, airfare….you racist fucking hotel owners