Starting January 1st, hotel workers across Antigua will receive a $25 weekly wage increase, following successful negotiations between the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) and the Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA). The agreement also includes significant improvements to worker benefits. ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes emphasized the importance of these enhancements, but stressed that the union will continue to advocate for additional increases in the second and third years of the agreement. “These are important improvements for workers, but we cannot be complacent,” Hughes stated.
The newly negotiated package for hotel workers includes several key improvements: meal allowances have been doubled to $30 per meal, the spread-over allowance has increased to $35 weekly from $29, and the graveyard shift allowance has been raised to $35 from $27. Additionally, paternity leave will now extend to seven days, and retirement fund contributions will increase to 3 percent.
ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes also addressed ongoing workplace issues, expressing concern over high absenteeism. “We continue to receive complaints of alarming absenteeism. This is unacceptable! Workers must do better,” Hughes stated.
The union has proposed measures to address the extreme heat conditions affecting workers, which the Hotels and Tourism Association is currently reviewing. Further negotiations on mental health support, disciplinary procedures, job descriptions, and uniform policies will resume in January 2025.
“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,” the union stated. They also reminded their members, “We are the workers powering our economy, and together we will rise!”
The agreed improvements will apply to all hotels that are signatories to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Compassionate leave has also been extended, with five days granted for immediate family and three days for grandparents and siblings.
