Union Demands Action, PM Pledges Results on APUA Pension Dispute
Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) President Bernard de Nully has issued a stern call for justice for retired workers of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), urging swift resolution of long-standing pension issues during the union’s 74th Labour Day rally.
“Workers have retired for years and are still waiting up to this day,” de Nully said. “This is not business as usual anymore. The AT&LU will stand on the battlefield soon to deal with the grievances and the negotiations for a better benefit package.”
De Nully described the unpaid pensions as a violation of collective bargaining agreements and questioned how workers could retire in good faith only to be denied what was contractually promised. His remarks drew strong support from the crowd, especially among current and former APUA workers.
In a direct response delivered later at the same rally, Prime Minister Gaston Browne pledged that the government would address all concerns raised by the union, including the APUA pension matter.
“I listened to the president carefully, and I say to you that all of the concerns that the Antigua Trades and Labour Union has—every single one of them—will be resolved,” Browne stated.
The Prime Minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to public sector workers, citing the 9% wage increase granted last year and promising another increase no later than next year. He also announced plans for a further minimum wage hike, which would be the third under his leadership.
“You don’t have to march against us, you don’t have to advocate—just say it and it will be done,” he said. “We are committed to the empowerment of workers.”
Browne emphasized that workers’ contributions are central to national development and assured the public that government policy would continue to reflect that priority.
The Labour Day rally highlighted not only the solidarity between the AT&LU and the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party but also the growing pressure on the government to resolve pension delays and improve workplace conditions, especially in state-owned entities like APUA.
As de Nully put it, “The worker is the most valuable resource in this land. They must be treated with respect and decency.”
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I don’t hear them demanding payment for workers who were sent home during covid and haven’t received their pay
They’ve been waiting far too long. Promises don’t pay bills.
How does something like this even drag on so long?
Why not act before the unions have to step in?
Hardworking people shouldn’t have to fight for what’s rightfully theirs.
My uncle worked with APUA for 30+ years. He’s tired of waiting.
Why does it take public outrage for leaders to act?
Every election cycle, we hear the same promises. Still waiting.
No one’s asking for favors—just fairness. come on do better