Antigua Distillery Workers to Receive 8% Salary Increase Under New Union Agreement

Workers at Antigua Distillery Limited are set to benefit from an 8% salary increase over three years, alongside improvements to several employment conditions, following a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiated by the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) and the company’s management.

The agreement, which covers the period March 2026 to February 2029, provides for salary increases of 3.5% in the first year, 2.5% in the second year and a further 2% in the third year.

Beyond the wage adjustments, the negotiations secured improvements to a range of benefits, including an increased meal allowance and adjustments to shift and call-out allowances.

Workers will also benefit from an extension of paternity leave from three to five days. The company has further agreed to cover the annual cost of renewing drivers’ licences for employees designated as drivers.

Shop Steward Jason Philip described the negotiations as fair, urging employees, particularly younger workers, to look beyond the headline salary increase when assessing the value of a collective agreement.

“There are benefits that we can agree on that will have a more meaningful impact on your life than any dollar amount,” Philip explained.

He acknowledged the importance of wage increases but pointed to improvements in leave entitlements and other working conditions as benefits that can provide meaningful, long-term value to employees and their families.

Human Resources Manager Karen Joseph also encouraged workers to exercise reasonableness and understanding as the company continues its efforts to maintain a harmonious working environment.

ABWU Senior Industrial Relations Officer Fernando Samuel expressed appreciation to Antigua Distillery’s management for its cooperation throughout the negotiations.

He said the willingness of both sides to engage constructively contributed to the timely conclusion of the agreement.

Samuel also outlined the union’s intention to pursue the introduction of a structured salary scale during the next round of negotiations.

The proposed system would give employees opportunities to earn additional compensation based on their performance, creating another avenue for salary progression beyond general increases negotiated through collective bargaining.

The agreement represents the latest outcome of negotiations between the union and the company, with the new terms set to guide wages and employment conditions at Antigua Distillery Limited through February 2029.