
Antigua and Barbuda – Workers at Cost Pro have taken industrial action, downing their tools in protest against the management’s unilateral decision to further reduce work hours.
Represented by the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU), approximately 100 workers are voicing their concerns over the lack of consultation and communication from Cost Pro’s management.
In an interview, Hugh Joseph, an officer of the ABWU, outlined the grievances of the workers. “Management first communicated their intention to reduce the workweek on May 21, but without any details on how they planned to implement this reduction,” Joseph stated. “They have not engaged in any meaningful dialogue with us.”
For the past year, the workweek for Cost Pro employees had already been reduced from 44 hours to 40 hours, as permitted by the Collective Agreement during slow business periods.
Now, management proposes to reduce the workweek even further, in some cases down to 32 hours. “We have made it clear that we are not prepared to accept any further reductions without justifiable reasons and proper negotiations,” Joseph emphasized.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Despite the union’s objections, Cost Pro management has gone ahead and issued new schedules to employees.
These schedules show inconsistent working hours: some employees are now receiving 32 hours a week, others 36, while a few still maintain a 40-hour week. “This inequity should not be happening. If work is limited, it should be shared equitably among all impacted workers,” Joseph asserted.
The lack of communication and justification from CPR’s management has fueled the workers’ frustrations. “Management has not provided any details or reasons for these cuts. They seem to be disregarding the union and moving forward with their plans unilaterally,” Joseph said.
In response to these actions, the workers have taken a stand by downing their tools, halting operations at CPR. “The industrial action you’re seeing today is a direct result of management’s disregard for proper consultation and transparent negotiations,” Joseph explained.
The ABWU and its members remain firm in their position, calling for fair treatment and equitable distribution of work hours. As the situation continues to unfold, the union urges CPR management to engage in transparent negotiations and adhere to the Collective Agreement to resolve the ongoing dispute.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
What is the government doing about this?
“This inequity should not be happening.”. Did I really read these words from the ABWU? What about airport security that has five different salaries in the same class 4? Three different salaries in class 3?, 3 different salaries in class 2 and all the classes doing the same work? I guess Airport security is not important. You got a compensation study that said security is underpaid by 19 percent and you settled for 10% without communicating with the staff. ABWU just full of nonsense.
@Shameful Government, they have their own issues.
https://antiguanewsroom.com/postal-workers-withdraw-services-demand-meeting-with-prime-minister-over-poor-conditions/
Too many supermarkets and plus the high cost of goods are also major factors.
Why would the government get involved. They have their bargaining Union to deal with their industrial issues. Running a business is not a charity. In the end if it is not profitable they will have to close. And competition is tough.
A Union cannot force any businessmen/women to keep their doors open. And yes management should communicate better with the staff. But in the end if you withhold your labour by striking, you are making things even worst and jeopardizing your job. And in the end only the employees will lose. Just like with LIAT.
Business is down because people have not been able to utilize their accumulated points so they rather shop elsewhere where their points can be redeemed at anytime !
True. I’ve not come across a rewards system like that and they also put a cap on your rewards benefits.
@Salima. Well said. That is so true. Can’t redeem points until they say, which seems like once a year. Ridiculous. Don’t do any major shopping there at all though.
Whenner go talk to your pardner Massiah. He and his UPP “brothers”, have ALL the answers to every problem in Antigua. He was just boasting about their union. Well fix it! Don’t blame the government. Or you all getting free groceries there too, like all the free meals you all get from the hotels……
Another LIAT situation
The company will fold and all employees will be on the bread line equitably.
It is no rocket science to observe a struggling company..
This strike action is forcing the company into more hardship.
AWU are really awesome negotiators, wow..
@Salima
If people cannot redeem their points it would be a sign of cashflow problems. That is how I remember it started at Bargain Center. I lost all my points because I always wait until Christmas to redeem when buying ham and turkey
Comments are closed.