Prime Minister Gaston Browne announces that public sector workers will receive back pay in addition to their regular wage this month
Public sector workers are set to receive what amounts to two salary payments this month—their regular December wage, followed later in the month by a second payment covering retroactive back pay.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne made the announcement on Thursday during his National Budget presentation, noting the government’s continued effort to settle outstanding financial obligations to its employees.
Browne reminded Parliament that since 2022, his administration has already cleared nearly $60 million in retroactive wages owed to public servants.
“We did not hide from this responsibility; we faced it head-on,” he said. “And later this month, we will make a further payment, ensuring that every eligible worker—including those who left the public service before December 2022—receives what is rightfully theirs.”
The prime minister also revealed that civil servants will benefit from additional salary improvements once the long-awaited reclassification exercise is completed. He said he wants the process finalized by July 2026, stressing the need for a more disciplined and timely approach to future wage negotiations to prevent arrears from accumulating again.
Unions have already been invited to submit their proposals as part of the restructuring effort.
Browne highlighted several measures implemented in 2024, including increases to minimum Government and Social Security pensions—to $1,000 and $500 respectively—and a minimum 7% rise for all other Government pensions, with the exception of those paid to parliamentarians.
“Our Government honours its obligations, respects its workers, and protects its pensioners,” the prime minister declared. “We do not postpone justice; we do not defer dignity. When we say we put people at the centre of development, we mean it—and every payment made, every arrear cleared, every pension increased is proof of our commitment. That is the way of good governance.”
So wait! They gave themselves a 14% raise and 1 year retro pay,all in one fell swoop and has been giving public servants bits and pieces over several years. This idiot continues to take Antiguans for fools. He’s makes statements without proof and expects applaude? We are a society of greedy,selfish, unprincipled,treacherous people, without integrity, allowing this clown to continue to lie and deceive us.
Time we get that…that finish …but we happy. Half a loaf better than no bread
At least this government dealing with the back pay. Plenty administrations come and go and leave people hanging. A second salary in December? I know plenty families who really need that relief.
I appreciate the payment, but government must stop the cycle of arrears. Every few years it’s the same story. Reclassification need to finish once and for all.
All this “we honour our obligations” talk—if you honoured it, arrears wouldn’t build up in the first place. Pay people on time and stop celebrating basic responsibilities.
This nice and everything, but cost of living still sky high. What’s the long-term plan? Two salaries don’t fix the real problems.
Pensioners should get something too we paid our dues
Imagine we have to wait another 7 months to get that promised salary Increase and there o was hoping I would be walking into that in the new year
A solid decision. December is always heavy, extra support matters.
Good for them
Schopenhauer argued that desire is the root of suffering—once one want is fulfilled, another arises.