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Workers’ Union Calls for National Stakeholder Talks on Cost of Living Crisis
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union is urging the government to convene an urgent national consultation to address the rising cost of living, with General Secretary Senator David Massiah warning that inflation is “choking” workers.
Speaking at the union’s Labour Day rally on Monday, Senator David Massiah issued a sharp warning about the financial strain facing the working class, calling on the government to immediately engage stakeholders in a collaborative effort to tackle the economic pressures affecting households across the country.
“The escalating price and cost of living in this country is choking us,” Massiah told supporters. “We need better.”
He urged the government to establish a formal stakeholder consultation mechanism that would include workers, employers, and government officials to openly discuss the economic challenges facing the nation.
According to Massiah, such a body would allow citizens to contribute their “thoughts” and “ideas” on solutions to rising prices.
Massiah highlighted recent increases in the Consumer Price Index, claiming inflation peaked at 7.1% over the past year, with only marginal easing since then.
He criticised official claims that inflation had decreased, saying any recent decline had not reversed the accumulated financial burden already placed on workers.
The union leader also accused the government of inaction, particularly its failure to convene the legally mandated Minimum Wage Advisory Committee.
“This government is not interested in doing that for you, the working class,” he said.
As part of the broader set of demands, Massiah called for an increase in the national minimum wage to $13.50 per hour, reforms to the Labour Code, and the establishment of a Severance Protection Fund.
He warned that failure to address these issues would deepen inequality and erode workers’ dignity.
“The time has come that we are not relying on one person,” Massiah declared. “We need a government that is ready to do right by the people.”
The ABWU’s call for stakeholder dialogue comes amid growing frustration among workers, with many expressing concern over stagnant wages, rising food prices, and the cost of basic goods.
The union says it will continue to press for national engagement on the issue beyond Labour Day.
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Honestly, the cost of everything keeps going up but salaries aren’t moving. Something has to give.
Groceries alone are draining me every week. I fed up of that place
How are families supposed to survive on the current wages with these prices?
I’m tired of hearing “we’re monitoring the situation.” Do something concrete!
My electricity bill alone makes me wonder if I live in New York, not Antigua.