ABWU officials vow legal action regarding Cost Pro closure
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has pledged to pursue every available legal avenue to secure severance and other benefits owed to former Costpro Supermarket employees following the company’s abrupt closure.
More than 100 workers were left without jobs on Thursday after the supermarket ceased operations with immediate effect, raising concerns about outstanding wages, severance pay and other employment benefits.
On Friday morning, ABWU General Secretary David Massiah, accompanied by a team of union officers, met with the displaced employees at the Union’s Freedom Hall headquarters to outline their legal rights and explain the support the union will provide throughout the redundancy process.
The union said it is prepared to take the matter before the courts if necessary to ensure the employer fulfils all statutory obligations, including payment of severance, notice pay, accrued vacation leave and any other benefits due under the law.
Former employees have also been advised to gather employment contracts, pay slips and other relevant records to assist in calculating their full entitlements.
Beyond the immediate dispute, the ABWU said the Costpro closure once again highlights the need for Antigua and Barbuda to introduce severance protection legislation.
According to the union, such legislation would establish a dedicated fund to guarantee workers receive their earned benefits if a company becomes insolvent or suddenly ceases operations.
Massiah noted that the union has advocated for such protections for several years, arguing that, had the legislation been in place, Costpro employees would not now be facing uncertainty over payments they earned through years of service.
The union pointed to previous cases involving Jolly Beach Resort, LIAT (1974) Ltd. and Tranquility Bay, where workers also faced prolonged uncertainty over severance and other benefits following business closures or financial difficulties.
“The existing legislative framework does not provide sufficient protection for employees’ earned benefits when companies become insolvent or discontinue operations,” the union said. “Workers should never have to wonder whether they will receive the severance to which they are legally entitled.”
The ABWU has vowed to remain alongside the former Costpro employees until every outstanding entitlement has been paid in full.
Why are they already making it would like the people not gonna honor their obligations to the staff? Give them some time