Supervisory and line employees at Epicurean are set to benefit from increased wages and improved working conditions following the signing of new collective bargaining agreements between Pastry Ltd., trading as Epicurean, and the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU).

Under the agreements, line staff will receive an annual increase of EC$0.50 per hour, while supervisory employees will receive an annual increase of EC$0.80 per hour. The adjustments represent yearly pay increases of nearly four per cent over the life of the agreements.

ABWU President and Senior Industrial Relations Officer Kem Riley said the negotiations were constructive and resulted in a package designed to improve workers’ overall welfare.

“We are pleased to conclude these negotiations, which resulted in a fair package of benefits for the workers,” Riley said. “Our objective is to ensure that wages keep pace with the cost of living and that additional benefits help to reduce some of the expenses and inconveniences associated with the job.”

Beyond salary increases, the agreements provide enhancements to meal and call-out allowances. Supervisory staff will also receive an increase in their uniform allowance.

The agreements also deliver greater support for working families by extending paternity leave from three days to five days, giving new fathers additional time to spend with their families following the birth of a child.

Employees whose shifts finish after 9 p.m. will also benefit from improved transportation arrangements, with the company now required to transport them directly to their homes rather than only to the bus station.

Additionally, both parties agreed to introduce a death-in-service benefit that will provide financial assistance to employees’ families in the event of their passing while employed by the company.

The new collective bargaining agreements cover the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028.