By Aabigayle McIntosh

All non-established workers attached to the Ministry of Agriculture’s headquarters have been instructed not to report to work today March 21.

They are being further advised they will remain at home for about two weeks without loss of benefits. The decision was made on Wednesday following consultations between Agriculture Minister EP Chet Greene and officials from the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU).

The union said workers will continue their duties at home with assignments given by their superiors and will be required to report back to their superiors via agreed platforms.

The union stated further that it will provide further updates and guidance should there be a need for further extensions.

Meanwhile, the agriculture minister, also told the local media the ministry commits the assigned contractor to have works completed within two weeks to facilitate the temporary relocation of staffers to the Sir Cuthwin Lake Medical Centre on Nugent Avenue.

He also confirmed that workers were given instructions to work from. Greene also stated that his ministry apologizes to the general public and its affected staff.

The workers have been striking for quite some time over the dilapidated state of the headquarters and another agriculture outpost.

The Antiguan and Barbuda Public Service Association which represents established workers has complained that the issue stems from a problem of lack of maintenance

Some of the main problems include a lack of functioning toilets, no potable or drinking water, outstanding overtime, and mileage allowances, no work equipment and lack of protective clothing, and no bathroom to shower after using hazardous chemicals.