Essential Workers Reminded of Public Holiday Duty Obligations
Matters relating to public holiday work obligations and the continued operation of essential services came under review during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, as the Government reaffirmed that employees rostered to work on public holidays are expected to report for duty in accordance with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code.
Cabinet stressed that workers assigned to essential services have a responsibility to carry out their duties during public holidays to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of critical services across the country. Ministers noted that maintaining operational continuity remains vital to public safety, national efficiency, and public confidence in government services.
The discussions come amid heightened attention on labour obligations within the public sector and the importance of ensuring that essential agencies remain fully functional during holidays and other periods of increased demand.
Cabinet further emphasized that adherence to established schedules and operational requirements is necessary to prevent disruptions that could negatively impact the wider public.
During the same meeting, Cabinet also reviewed a technical report submitted by the Ministry of Works concerning the building occupied by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).
According to the assessment carried out by the Ministry, the facility has been deemed structurally safe for occupancy and normal operations.
In light of the findings, Cabinet advised that employees attached to the ONDCP are expected to continue performing their duties within the existing work environment.
The Government said it remains committed to ensuring safe and suitable working conditions for public sector employees while maintaining the effective functioning of essential national service
If workers are scheduled for essential services on public holidays then yes, they should report to duty. Hospitals, security, utilities and emergency services can’t just stop because it’s a holiday. That’s reality.
Workers also human beings though. Some of these departments are understaffed and exhausted already. Government needs to balance discipline with compassion.
My concerns are for workers who when offf duty gets a called into work! How should that worker be paid?
Some employers they give you an off day, then someone on schedule don’t turn out to work, they then call in an off duty work. And pay them for a normal days pay! Is this right? Should that called in person be paid time and a half seeing they supposed to be at home!!! Just curious.
Some of them want the check but dont even wanna come work
Essential services too important for people not to report for duty
Hahahaha that sound like it’s directly directed to ABS staff🤣