Transport Workers Demand Fair Promotions, Safer Workplaces and Greater Union Consultation

Transport sector workers are calling for greater transparency in promotions, an end to unilateral job reassignments, and immediate improvements to workplace safety, following a meeting of the Transport Section of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU).

The concerns were raised during a recent gathering of shop stewards and union members representing several major transport-related workplaces, where employees highlighted what they described as recurring issues affecting workers across the sector.

Among the most pressing concerns was the lack of a clear and transparent process for career advancement. Workers at one organisation said management had previously committed to providing documented criteria outlining how employees could progress within their job classifications but failed to deliver the information within the agreed timeframe.

ABWU General Secretary David Massiah said the union intends to issue the company with a new deadline to provide the outstanding documentation.

Discussions revealed that uncertainty surrounding promotion and career progression is not confined to one workplace but is a concern shared by employees across multiple organisations within the transport sector.

Workers also voiced frustration over what they described as the unilateral creation of new job categories and the reassignment of employees without prior consultation with the union.

Representatives from at least three workplaces reported instances where employers altered job classifications or reassigned duties without engaging the ABWU, despite provisions within collective bargaining agreements requiring consultation.

Some employees alleged they had been moved into positions outside the bargaining unit, raising fears that the transfers could be aimed at weakening the union’s membership and bargaining power.

Massiah said those allegations warrant careful investigation.

“If these actions are intended to undermine the union, they must be challenged,” he said, adding that the union will closely examine the circumstances surrounding the reported transfers.

ABWU President Kem Riley also reaffirmed the union’s position, stressing that employers are required to consult with the union before introducing new categories of workers or making changes that affect bargaining unit employees.

The meeting also heard complaints from long-serving employees at one organisation who said they had repeatedly trained newly hired staff, only to see those employees promoted ahead of them while they remained at the same grade.

Massiah urged workers to report workplace concerns as soon as they arise rather than waiting for scheduled section meetings.

“The union can only effectively address issues that are brought to our attention in a timely manner,” he told members, encouraging employees to remain vigilant in protecting their rights.

Workplace safety was another major topic of discussion. Workers at one institution reported that aging and deteriorating equipment continues to create hazardous working conditions despite repeated complaints to management.

Massiah described the situation as unacceptable and said the union would seek urgent discussions with the employer.

“Workers need the proper equipment to perform their duties safely. Safe working conditions are not optional,” he said.

The Transport Section meeting brought together workers from the Antigua Port Authority, Antigua Barbuda Airport Authority, Antigua Barbuda Transport Board and WIOC.

The discussions form part of the ABWU’s ongoing engagement with members ahead of its 59th Annual Delegates’ Conference, which is scheduled to take place in September.