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PM Browne Advocates for New Trade Union for Hospitality Workers
In a bold move aimed at empowering workers in the hospitality sector, Prime Minister Gaston Browne is spearheading efforts to establish a new trade union tailored to meet the unique needs of employees in this vital industry.
Currently, hospitality workers are represented by the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU), which Browne argues has fallen short in adequately supporting its members.
During a recent episode of the Browne and Browne Show, the Prime Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the representation provided by the ABWU, labeling it as a “dues-crabbing union” that fails to advocate effectively for workers’ rights and benefits.
He emphasized that the current system is not providing the necessary support that hospitality workers deserve, particularly as many are facing stagnant wages and declining real salaries over the years.
Browne highlighted the significant contributions made by hospitality workers through their dues, noting that the ABWU collects approximately $3.7 million annually in dues—most of which comes from hotel employees.
He argued that this money could be better utilized if the workers were to create their own occupation-specific trade union that would prioritize their interests.
“The representation is poor, and the leadership seems too cozy with hotel owners to advocate for fair wages and improved working conditions,” Browne stated.
He called on hospitality workers to take the initiative in forming their own union, suggesting that their collective efforts could lead to significant improvements in their employment circumstances.
To drive this initiative forward, the Prime Minister is collaborating with experienced individuals in trade unionism, including Anderson Carty and a former ABWU executive member. A meeting is planned for Thursday to begin discussions on the formation of this new entity, which Browne insists should be non-partisan and free from political influence.
In reinforcing his commitment to the welfare of hotel workers, Browne remarked that as Prime Minister, he has a vested interest in the outcomes for this sector.
He reassured workers that they would have the opportunity to join the conversation through a virtual meeting via Zoom, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in this pivotal moment.
With calls for stronger representation and better working conditions in the hospitality sector, the efforts by PM Browne are set to ignite a crucial dialogue regarding labor rights and the future of workers in Antigua and Barbuda’s thriving tourism industry.
Mr PM Browne, you’re chatting shit. In any other union, the hospitality workers get, they cannot do a better bargain than the ABWU. A union go into the hotel industry and do its best to bargain better wages and salaries for its staff. However, it would be up to the owners of these hotels to pay what the bargaining agent requested. Gaston needs to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour for hotel workers and also put into law that all 100% service charges go to the hotel workers, not a penny less, but all. There are chains of hotels on the island that poorly pay their workers and give them 25% of the service charge collected. The service charge starts at 1.0 to 1.5 service points. The union cannot negotiate the service charge because it is not part of the labour code law.
Some hotels on the island pay their staff well, including offers good service charges ranges from 2.5 to 6.0, and the ABWU is their representative.
Hospitality workers, Instead of listening to Gaston’s crap, pressure his administration to increase the minimum wage and to put service charges as part of the labour code law.
Also, it is time for the Caribbean to get their annual pay scale into law by education and skills.
I swear union just there to collect dues. Really and truly what do that do