Real New – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has declared a State of Emergency at the General Post Office and has instructed members of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) to assume the duties of postal clerks, starting Thursday, December 3, 2020.
Well-placed sources at the General Post Office tell REAL News that the Postmaster General and the supervisors will be training the military personnel to assume the duties of workers who have been taking industrial action on the instruction of their union.
The staff have been out since last week, after the Ministry of Works failed to correct the problems caused by a leaking roof, including the growth and build-up of mold in the building, creating a health hazard.
Reportedly, the postal workers were instructed by union officials to report to work, sign their names in the attendance record, and then return home until the Government provides a healthy and safe working environment.
However, Prime Minister Browne has now countered by bringing in the military as “strike breakers.”
As recently as yesterday, December 1, persons told REAL News they were unable to purchase stamps at the usual outlets and this was hampering their ability to conduct business.
