Antigua Masonry Products workers are back on the job after strikes brought operations at the construction materials company to a standstill.
Dozens of employees have been clamouring for retirement benefits and salary increases. It was the second time in two months they had taken to the picket line amid faltering negotiations with company bosses.
This week’s strike saw a temporary pause when the union representing the workers received court papers on Tuesday, informing them that the company had referred the matter to the industrial court.
That meant, by law, the strike had to stop and the employees were told to return to work by the Free Trade Union which is fighting their case.
However, no sooner were the parties informed that the case was set for an initial hearing on Friday, the company promptly withdrew the matter.
Now, the Free Trade Union has instead filed the case with the industrial court and employees have returned to work pending a hearing date.
The union has been demanding a retroactive salary increase covering the last three years for the 65 workers it represents. It is also fighting for a pay rise for the next three years. The two parties are yet to agree a deal.
Observer has approached the company for comment.
