Hundreds of hospitality workers employed at hotels that are signatories to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), will receive a $25.00 weekly wage increase effective January 1, 2025.
The increase follows weeks of robust negotiations between both parties which have also brought about enhancements to other benefits in the Collective Agreement. These include increases in the meal allowance (from $15 to $30 per meal); Spread-over Allowance (from $29 to $35 weekly); Graveyard Shift Allowance (from $27 to $35 weekly) and Paternity Leave (extended from 5 days to 7 days). Workers will also receive a boost in their retirement fund contributions which will now be moved to 3%. Other enhancements to existing benefits include an increase in the compassionate leave to 5 days for parents, spouses or children and 3 days for grandparents and siblings.
ABWU Deputy General Secretary, Chester Hughes said: “These are important enhancements for workers, but we cannot be complacent. We intend to make a powerful case for further increases in years 2 and 3 of the Agreement.” Meanwhile, Hughes also called on hospitality workers to improve their productivity and performance. “We continue to receive complaints of alarming absenteeism. This is unacceptable! Workers must do better,” Hughes chided.
Taking into consideration the impact of climate change on the sector, the Union put forward an extreme heat proposal which is being considered by the ABHTA.
Other items both parties will continue to negotiate include Mental Health Support for Hospitality Workers; Updates to the Disciplinary Code; Updates to Job Titles and Job Descriptions; Probation and Uniforms. Negotiations are expected to reconvene in early January 2025.
The Union commends its shop stewards and members within the hotel sector for their contributions and steadfastness throughout the negotiating period.
As we move forward into a new year, we anticipate a deepening of the bonds of solidarity as we strive toward a sustainable, equitable and prosperous tourism industry for all. We remind our members that we are the workers powering our economy, and together we will rise!
