UPDATE: Clock In, Then Leave: ABS Workers Sent Home Over Building Crisis

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UPDATE: Clock In, Then Leave: ABS Workers Sent Home Over Building Crisis
ABS staff sent home over health and safety concerns at building

Staff at the Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Services (ABS) were instructed to remain off the job — told to report to work, clock in, and then return home — until further notice, following serious health and safety concerns at the state-owned media house.

The directive came from the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) after a Shop Steward contacted the union on Monday to report worsening conditions inside the building, including visible mold and a strong, foul odor.

Sources indicate that the situation escalated after the facility reportedly flooded over the weekend, compounding existing issues and intensifying concerns about possible contamination and health risks to employees.

UPDATE: Clock In, Then Leave: ABS Workers Sent Home Over Building Crisis
ABS staff sent home over health and safety concerns at building

Union representatives conducted a walkthrough of the premises and, after observing the conditions firsthand, ordered that an air quality test be carried out to determine whether the environment is safe for staff occupancy.

The extraordinary measure — requiring employees to clock in only to immediately leave — has effectively disrupted normal operations and underscores the gravity of the concerns raised.

Meetings between union officials and ABS management are expected to take place on Tuesday as efforts begin to address the deteriorating workplace conditions. The matter is also slated for discussion at Cabinet on Wednesday, signaling potential government intervention at the highest level.

For now, staff remain in limbo, awaiting the results of the air quality assessment and assurances that their workplace will be made safe before they are allowed to resume full duties.

This story was first published by Antigua News on March 2, 2026: antigua.news/2026/03/02/update-clock-in-then-leave-abs-workers-sent-home-over-building-crisis. © 2026 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 (12)

  • Nezma March 2, 2026, 5:06 PM

    yikes. that’s something else.
    Reply
  • Bianca March 2, 2026, 5:26 PM

    It’s shocking that staff have to clock in only to be sent home because of unsafe working conditions. This shouldn’t happen in 2026, especially at a public institution.
    Reply
  • Henry March 2, 2026, 5:27 PM

    The public often doesn’t realize the working conditions behind the scenes. This is a wake-up call for government oversight.
    Reply
  • Genevieve March 2, 2026, 5:28 PM

    Mold + flooding = serious health risks. What’s the governments response to this? Are they going to take it as a political move? Are they going to act on it ASAP? Guess I have to tune it to Antigua.news to find out more since no one will be on ABS
    Reply
  • Informed citizen March 2, 2026, 11:33 PM

    that’s concerning.
    Reply
  • Island Girl March 3, 2026, 5:56 AM

    if i had someone working there I would be just as concerned for their health
    Reply
  • Wolf March 3, 2026, 8:31 AM

    Poor abs AND their staff
    Reply
  • Solly March 3, 2026, 8:32 AM

    Mould is deadly how can people feel comfortable working there tho
    Reply
  • Genique March 3, 2026, 11:34 AM

    To date we still can’t hear from the minister responsible for ABS. Hmmmmm
    Reply
  • Ash March 3, 2026, 12:47 PM

    Do you know how long these people have been languishing in that building?
    Reply
    • Anonymous March 4, 2026, 1:07 PM

      And how did the Building get to that point? Simple, the money destined for maintenance was stolen from him
      Reply
  • Hahaha March 3, 2026, 12:49 PM

    The way the lady have that bag in her hand its like she dont intend to return
    Reply

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