Union Backs Retirement Age and Four-Day Work Week Proposals

12

At the launch of The People’s Union on September 20th, 2024, we identified several critical areas requiring immediate attention to advance both industrial relations and the broader development of our nation.

We outlined our commitment to advocate for the following key initiatives:

  • The establishment of a National Retirement Age with accompanying benefits
  • The implementation of a National Living Wage
  • The introduction of National Paternity Leave
  • A comprehensive review and modernization of the Workmen’s Compensation Act
  • The adoption of a Four-day Work-week

Earlier this year, the Attorney General and Minister of Labour, Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin, announced that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda intends to establish a national retirement age. More recently, Minister Benjamin further indicated that the government is actively considering the introduction of paternity leave for public sector employees.

In his Labour Day address, Sir Steadroy reaffirmed the government’s intention to transition from a minimum wage framework to a living wage model, to legislate paternity leave, and to explore the viability of a four-day work week. Additionally, he stated that the Workmen’s Compensation Act would be subject to a comprehensive review.

Sir Steadroy also highlighted the need to revisit the Labour Code, noting that the current Code, enacted in 1975, remains the only legislation of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean.

The People’s Union welcomes the Government’s recognition of these critical issues raised by our union and its stated intent to take action. Our union will engage Sir Steadroy Benjamin in discussions to look at other legislation to include the creation of a Health and Safety Act, which will address employment conditions.

We look forward to meaningful collaboration with all stakeholders as we strive to build a national labour environment grounded in equity, productivity, justice, and improved quality of life for all citizens.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]

12 COMMENTS

  1. As a government raised on Labour ethics of the elders, it is about time that we update and expand on developmentally advantageous, and humane labour initiatives for our working people.
    Bravo People’s Union!

  2. Does a four-day work week means a reduced salary? Enquiring minds would like to know.

  3. Honestly speaking i don’t know how the four days work week will work in the Caribbean regions, and plus in the private sectors….

    I don’t think this is a good idea.

  4. Very poorly written article. All I’m seeing in this piece is Sir Steadroy Benjamin over and over…. Up to now not a word on who the principles of The Peoples Union are…

  5. National retirement age should be 60. And pension and/or social security should start immediately after turning 60.
    People need to enjoy life after work and not wait until they are close to dying to enjoy retirement.
    We need to do better!!!

  9. We can barely get people to work 5 days consistently; much less 4 days? This is trouble waiting to happen.

  10. National pension age need yo be 60yrs. People are dieing left right and center especially a lot of young people who contribute to the system for umteen of years and died before they can reach 62 and who where even qualified for pension but yet still they suffering them as a matter of fact stress killed them off before and where there money end up in someone’s else enjoyment truth be told

  11. The pros is you get an extra day home, the cons is your short of one days pay lol, makes zero sense. A lot of other countries has a 6 day work week and we have 5 but now want 4, some Antiguans just to lazy

Comments are closed.