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Prime Minister Gaston Browne at joint Labour Day activities. Photo by Makeida Antonio
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has leveled some serious allegations against the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, accusing some of its members of being financially influenced by hoteliers.
On Labour Day, Browne accused the ABWU leadership of selling out to the country’s hotels, compromising the interests of hotel workers.
“I say to you that the leadership of the ABWU has sold out the hoteliers in this country. Hotel workers cannot own decent pay; they cannot afford a car loan or a mortgage. Their representatives are taking money on the side,” Browne said
He didn’t hold back in expressing his disappointment in the leadership’s alleged alignment with hotel interests over those of the workers they are supposed to represent.
The crowd looked on in shock as Browne made it clear that he believed the ABWU leadership had no use for the people and only used workers for political gain.
The Prime Minister’s accusations didn’t stop there.
He called on the Antigua Trades and Labor Union (AT&LU) to take action, urging them to prioritize the needs of hotel workers who have seen little improvement in their conditions over the years.
“I say to the AT&LU, you have an opportunity to expand your base; go to the various work place; go to the hotels in the country and say to the workers that you are the best suited to represent them because with your alignment with the ABLP, you cannot sell out to any employer in this country,” he said
General Secetary of the ABWU Senator David Massiah said the Prime Minister is simply trying to distract the population from the real issues affecting them.
This accusations is totally crap, Mr. PM. Why don’t you, Gaston Browne, tell your friend Rob Barret to pay his staff well and give them the 100% service charge took from the guests that belongs to the workers. There are hotels in this country that are represented by ABWU who pay good salaries and wages, but Antiguans and Barbudans seem to having problems getting employment in them. These high pay hotels like Jumby Bay Resort, Mill Reef just to name a few pays very well plus the service charges are good too. Sandals Resort and Carlisle Bay Resort salary isn’t bad either, and the service charges there are also good compared to Elite Group of Resorts operating under Mr. Rob Barret. I seek employment at one of Elite top resort in Antigua with a bachelor degree in accounting and minor in business management, and associate and diploma in food and beverage management, and a UWI Certificate in Customer Service. I was told that the resort cannot afford to pay me for my skills and education. I came with over 15 plus years of experience and skillsI was offered $500 flat pay weekly and one service charge point.