Antigua Printery Staff Stage Second Day of Sit-In Over Unsanitary Working Conditions

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Government Printery Temporarily Closed as Repairs Begin to Improve Working Conditions
Antigua Printery staff during sit-in (photo by Shermain Bique-Charles)
Antigua Printery Staff Stage Second Day of Sit-In Over Unsanitary Working Conditions
Antigua Printery staff during sit-in (photo by Shermain Bique-Charles)

Workers at the Government Printery have entered their second consecutive day of protest, staging a sit-in over what they describe as deteriorating and unsanitary working conditions inside the facility.

Employees have been working on a half-day shift for several years while retrofitting work on the building has been underway. However, staff say a new problem has recently emerged that has made conditions inside the workplace even more difficult.

According to reports from workers, pigeons have begun nesting inside sections of the building’s roof, leaving droppings that have been falling onto desks, documents, and printing jobs. Employees say the situation has created a messy and unhealthy environment, prompting them to take action.

Staff members began sitting in on the job earlier this week in protest, calling for immediate steps to address the problem and improve conditions at the government facility.

Sources indicate that the Permanent Secretary responsible for the department has since been engaged in discussions with management and officials from the Public Works Department in an effort to resolve the issue.

Antigua Printery Staff Stage Second Day of Sit-In Over Unsanitary Working Conditions
Antigua Printery staff during sit-in (photo by Shermain Bique-Charles)

When Antigua.news visited the Government Printery on Tuesday morning, several workers from the Public Works Department were seen on the compound. Sources say the team has been deployed to continue repair work on the building as part of efforts to address the ongoing concerns.

Employees say they remain hopeful that the matter will be resolved quickly, allowing the facility to return to normal operations under safe and sanitary conditions.

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 (7)

  • Glen March 10, 2026, 11:47 PM

    They are not united at that printery they playing politics but i hope they live long enough to enjoy that pension the are so trying to secure
  • Informed citizen March 10, 2026, 8:52 PM

    day two?? so the government haven’t addressed the people’s concerns
  • Hunker March 10, 2026, 8:05 PM

    we cannot continue to remain comfortable with the fact that our families are working in environment that is unhealthy and killing them slowly
  • Concerned Antiguan March 10, 2026, 2:09 PM

    The government cannot do everything on their own they need help.
  • Pressure March 10, 2026, 1:50 PM

    Thats alot of pressure for one government
  • Apex Jones March 10, 2026, 12:13 PM

    HMMMMMM another government department at it
  • Cleer March 10, 2026, 11:06 AM

    why the government don’t organize to check on or maintain these buildings to ensure workers safety first. without us there would be no progress in the labour world.

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