Union leaders want PM Browne reported to ILO

Two union leaders on Sunday called for Prime Minister Gaston Browne to be reported to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for intimidating workers.

David Massiah of the Antigua Barbuda Workers Union and Samuel James of the Antigua Barbuda Free Trade Union made the call after prime minister Gaston Browne showed up at a meeting of government workers.

They were to discuss the status of salary negotiations with the government and back pay owed to workers but the prime minister thought they were about to embark on industrial action and warned against it.

The head of the public service union saw this as intimidation.

Speaking on radio yesterday, James said: “I think this particular action should be reported to the ILO because it goes to the root of industrial relations in this country and the right of workers to meet with their bargaining unit or representative.”

Earlier James called the prime minister’s actions “serious intimidation and aggression that appears to be targeted.”

He also said it was “gross disrespect for public servants” and a vulgar display of aggression towards the female leadership of the PSA.”

Massiah agreed with his colleague that “it is something that has to be reported because we are part of the International Labour Organisation.”

He described the prime minister’s intervention at the union meeting as “Unfortunate, dictactorial, boombastic and uninvited to a meeting.”

 

 

 

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