Antigua Masonry workers resume work after successful negotiations with management

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Dozens of workers went on strike yesterday (Photo by Gemma Handy)
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By Elesha George

[email protected]

“Parties have now come to an understanding,” remarked Samuel James, president of the Antigua and Barbuda Free Trade Union (ABFTU), after having spent hours in fluctuating weather conditions to support dozens of striking workmen.

Antigua Masonry Products (AMP) workers took industrial action yesterday in protest over hazardous working conditions and stalled wage negotiations.

“We have arrived at a way forward. And the way forward is that we expect that the negotiations will be completed within 14 days and we are expecting to meet as early as next week Tuesday for a couple of hours to start the process to resolving the outstanding matters,” James added.

Following discussions with AMP’s directors and upper management yesterday, James announced that employees decided to return to work. Workers were advised to return on Wednesday afternoon and will continue working in hopes that the matter will be resolved.

“We do not expect to resume striking. We are confident that the issue will be resolved,” James added. Management, according to James, now appear committed to resolving the matter.

Earlier on Wednesday, truckers and heavy-duty operators at the aggregate company began striking. Workers say they are exposed to dust and other harmful particles without any risk, medical, or health insurance.

Most workers are paid approximately $500 to $675 weekly for what they described as “challenging” work. They also complain of unexpected changes in their job descriptions without corresponding pay increases and not being compensated for working through their lunch hour when required to do so.

O’neil Lewis, a driver with the company for about eight years, expressed his frustration with the unfair treatment. He noted that the last raise they received in 2018 was a mere 55 cents increase per year for three years.

“Your job description change, no discussion or they discuss it now and within the next five [or] six minutes, then you get the paper,” he explained. “They’re shifting your job description and at the same time they’re not telling you about the remuneration part of it. And they try to enforce things on you that was not in your job description prior.

“When we work through lunch, the Financial Comptroller hardly wants to pay us lunch money,” said Jamir Parker. Parker explained that it’s very difficult to live on his current salary. “Taxes gone up so you have a small amount of money to do certain things which you plan to do.”

Rawl Nicholas, a block plant worker, said he is tired of doing work that he has not been contracted to do without compensation. “Every time you go to them is just a story or they keep ignoring you,” he remarked.

The workers stated that the additional money would help them better support their families, especially with the significant increase in the cost of living. They are asking for a 15 percent increase over three years. The last time they received a salary increase was in 2018. The union represents approximately 65 workers.

When contacted, AMP’s representatives confirmed that all department heads met during the day and reached an understanding with the union.

Earlier in the day, the union had pledged to support the strike for as long as necessary and as long as they had the full support of the workers.

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