In an Order issued yesterday by the Industrial Court of Antigua and Barbuda, President of the court, Charlesworth Brown ordered that the Barbuda Council pay the cost to the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), an amount of EC$1500.00.
The Order also compels the Council to recognize with immediate effect the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union as sole bargaining agents for the line staff, security and supervisory and confidential employees.
The Union and the Council are also expected to meet on or before Monday 26th April 2021 to commence negotiation and must report back to the court on the 26th of July 2021.
According to the court proceeding, failure of the parties to meet the terms stipulated in the order will force the court to take action.
The Union was forced to have the matter heard before the court because the Council failed to meet and recognise the Union and commence negotiations for improved conditions for Council Workers.
Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union was represented by Deputy General Secretary, Chester Hughes while the Barbuda Council was represented by Council Secretary, Paul Nedd.
“We at the union are very pleased with the decision taken by the court on the issue”, ABWU Deputy General Secretary told Antiguan Trumpet’s reporter.
“We are looking forward to having meaningful dialogue on behalf of the employees of the Barbuda Council in getting improved wages, benefits and conditions of employment”, he ended by stating.
