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ABWU Welcomes Second Bargaining Unit at Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority

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Chester Hughes, Deputy General Secretary of the ABWU (picture by ABWU)

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has proudly welcomed a second bargaining unit from the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority into its ranks.

This historic development marks the first time the ABWU stands as the sole union representing workers at the Port Authority, following a decisive vote by employees to decertify the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU).

On Monday, workers overwhelmingly chose the ABWU as their exclusive bargaining agent, with an impressive vote tally of 55 in favor and just 6 against. This outcome highlights the growing trust and confidence that workers place in the ABWU to advocate for their rights and needs.

Chester Hughes, Deputy General Secretary of the ABWU, expressed gratitude for the support and noted that the union is committed to promptly addressing the pressing issues faced by the new bargaining unit.

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“This latest victory reflects the growing confidence that workers continue to place in the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union,” Hughes stated.

The workers at the Port Authority have fostered a strong union culture for many years, and with both bargaining units now under the ABWU’s umbrella, they are well-positioned to make more powerful and coordinated demands for fair treatment and improved benefits from Port Management.

The ABWU looks forward to representing the interests of all its members and continuing its efforts to ensure equitable working conditions and benefits for every worker at the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/06/04/abwu-welcomes-second-bargaining-unit-at-antigua-and-barbuda-port-authority. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (8)

  • Faithful National #1 June 4, 2025, 8:25 AM

    Hope they fare better than the LIAT 74 workers did! The government needs to devise contingency plans for smooth operation of our port and our hotels whose workers,like our disgraced public school teachers, can be easily dragged by their tails to throw temper tantrums in an attempt to frustrate the Government. It is their ONLY chance of ever assuming governance of this country.
    Reply

    • Stone June 4, 2025, 10:15 AM

      if that’s what you gotta do to get things done…do it
      Reply

    • Antigua Surf June 4, 2025, 10:49 AM

      Disgraced public school teachers? Why don’t the government work as if they want to pay people? The government is just keeping the money for themselves! If it takes your action to get you what you deserve then go for it! The government and people closely affiliated with them only know to boss around workers and don’t pay them. Underpaid and overwhelmed.
      Reply

    • Devorn Carter June 4, 2025, 10:51 AM

      While I understand the frustration, we shouldn’t dismiss every worker protest as a “temper tantrum.” These are people fighting for fair wages, job security, and basic respect. Especially in sectors like education and aviation where they’ve been consistently sidelined. If the government managed labour relations better and honoured its obligations, like with the LIAT 74, we might see fewer strikes and more dialogue. Contingency plans are fine, but they shouldn’t replace genuine engagement with the people who keep this country running.
      Reply

  • Terry June 4, 2025, 10:46 AM

    Say what you want, but the AT&LU built this country’s labor movement. Sad to see history erased by internal politics and short-term thinking
    Reply

  • Food4thought June 4, 2025, 11:00 AM

    This move smells like a strategic shift by ABWU to align more closely with opposition forces. Let’s not pretend this was just about workers’ rights, there’s politics behind every port gate.
    Reply

  • Ben Simmons June 4, 2025, 1:20 PM

    ABWU please tell me when us Liat workers will recieve our severance? You asked us to wait. You told us dont take the governments money. We listened to you and now what?
    Reply

    • Unruly One June 5, 2025, 1:49 PM

      How they going answer that. Come on Ben you know how it is. You will just get sent round and round.
      Reply

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