The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union is pressing for urgent reform of the country’s labour laws, warning that long-promised changes to the Labour Code have stalled for years despite growing challenges facing workers.
Speaking at the union’s Labour Day rally, General Secretary David Messiah said the revised Labour Code has remained in limbo, leaving workers without protections suited to today’s workplace.
“The Labour Code has been revised and in revision for the last umpteen years, and to date, has not seen the light of day,” Messiah told supporters.
He called on the government to bring the legislation to Parliament, arguing that the current framework no longer reflects modern realities in the workforce.
Among the key changes being sought are provisions for a shorter work week, expanded maternity and paternity leave, and stronger protections for mental health and workplace stress.
“We want the government to really put forward the view that mental health and stress… is very important,” Messiah said, adding that new legislation must address these concerns directly.
Union leaders say the lack of updated laws is contributing to ongoing worker dissatisfaction, particularly as job conditions evolve and new pressures emerge across sectors.
The call for reform also includes broader protections such as improved workplace safety standards and systems to support workers dealing with occupational injuries and long-term health impacts.
The ABWU has long argued that modern labour legislation is essential to balancing the relationship between employers and workers, especially in a changing global economy.
Messiah said the time has come for decisive action, urging authorities to move beyond discussion and implement reforms that will better protect workers’ rights.
The issue formed a central part of the union’s Labour Day message, alongside calls for higher wages and expanded social protections, as members rallied in St. John’s and later marched through the capital.
