The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) and Goddard Catering Group have signed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement covering July 2025 to June 2028, securing wage increases and enhanced benefits for employees at the Coolidge and Mount St. John’s locations.
Under the agreement, workers will receive weekly salary increases of at least $30 in the first year, $25 in the second, and $20 in the third, amounting to an average annual raise of about 5%.
The CBA also doubles paternity leave from five to ten days, expands compassionate leave to include extended family, and introduces company-provided transportation for early-morning and late-night shifts.
ABWU’s Senior Industrial Relations Officer Fernando Samuel praised the shop stewards for their role in the negotiations and encouraged ongoing worker engagement. GCG Antigua’s Human Resource Lead, Arion Ryan, described the talks as amicable and noted that the salary improvements were among the most substantial negotiated in recent years.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the agreement, which aims to improve staff welfare while supporting the company’s continued growth.
Happy staff=productive staff
This agreement seems like a fair win for employees while also supporting the company’s operations. A solid example of cooperative negotiations.
At last at last!!!
Positive step for both workers and the company. Stability benefits everyone.
BTW The company always provided transportation for staff working early or late shifts. Why is this a news topic is what baffles me ? But while we’re at it…please share how the other private sector companies on this island are treating their employees?