General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union, David Massiah, is urging renewed national focus on workers’ rights and social equity, warning that existing labour frameworks must evolve to keep pace with a rapidly changing world of work.

In a Labour Day message issued ahead of this year’s observances, Massiah said the Union’s 2026 theme, “Strengthening our Commitment to Social Development and Equity,” reflects both a forward-looking agenda and a call to honour the struggles that shaped modern labour protections.

He pointed to the historic recognition of Labour Day as a public holiday in 1951 and the subsequent formation of the ABWU in 1967 as defining moments that helped secure improved working conditions, including the development of the Antigua Labour Code and the establishment of Social Security benefits.

Massiah highlighted the legacy of labour pioneers, including founding figure Malcolm Daniel, whose advocacy contributed to reducing the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours — a milestone he described as a victory for dignity and work-life balance.

Despite these gains, the ABWU General Secretary cautioned that the job is far from finished.

“The workforce is evolving rapidly, and the commitments designed years ago are no longer enough to meet today’s demands,” Massiah said, pointing to the rise of artificial intelligence, the gig economy, and remote work as forces reshaping employment across sectors.

He called for urgent updates to labour laws, improved accountability mechanisms, and expanded training opportunities to equip workers with the skills needed to remain competitive in a modern economy.

Massiah also stressed the importance of protecting workers from exploitation and ensuring fair wages, financial security, and equal opportunities—particularly for women and young people entering the workforce.

Among the Union’s key proposals is the introduction of a disability insurance framework, aimed at supporting workers who are injured on the job but may not be adequately covered under existing compensation systems.

He further emphasized that a strong and unified labour movement remains essential in shaping policies and closing inequality gaps, ensuring that economic and technological progress benefits all workers, not just a select few.

As Labour Week activities unfold, Massiah is encouraging workers across Antigua and Barbuda to stand in solidarity and actively participate in the national conversation on labour reform.

The ABWU will host its annual Labour Day Rally and March on Monday, May 4, at its headquarters on Lower Newgate Street, where members are expected to gather in a show of unity and commitment to advancing workers’ rights.

“We must remain united, relevant and vigilant,” Massiah said, adding that the goal is to build a society where fairness, dignity, and shared prosperity are realities for every worker.