Browne Calls for Hospitality Workers to Form Independent Union After ABWU Negotiated ‘$5’ A Week Increase

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged hospitality workers in Antigua and Barbuda to establish their own independent union, expressing disappointment with the representation provided by existing unions. Speaking on Pointe FM, Mr. Browne argued that a dedicated hospitality workers’ union could better address the sector’s specific challenges, such as low wages, poor working conditions, and a lack of housing support.

“Hospitality workers need a union that truly represents their interests—a union that is focused on securing fair wages, improving working conditions, and creating pathways to economic empowerment,” the Prime Minister said. “The current unions are failing to deliver for the people they claim to represent.”

Mr. Browne was particularly critical of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), highlighting what he described as a lack of meaningful advocacy and financial mismanagement. He pointed to a recent wage negotiation in which the union secured only a $5-per-week increase for hotel workers.

“How does $5 a week improve anyone’s quality of life? It’s an insult to these workers who are the backbone of our tourism industry,” he said.

The Prime Minister also noted that many hospitality workers have become disillusioned with their unions, with some leaving the sector altogether due to exploitative practices and inadequate representation.

“Hotel workers are coming to us, seeking jobs in the public sector, because they feel abandoned by their unions,” Mr. Browne added.

Mr. Browne proposed that the new union adopt a cooperative model, which could include benefits such as a credit union, discounted supermarket services, and affordable housing programmes. He suggested that such a union would be more accountable to its members, as it would be led by hospitality workers themselves.

“I’m even willing to support this initiative by providing seed money or resources, including free use of facilities, to help them establish themselves,” he said. “This isn’t about politics. This is about giving workers the tools to empower themselves.”

The Prime Minister called for the union to be non-partisan, stating that its focus should remain on the welfare of its members rather than political affiliations.

“Keep the politics out of it. This should be about improving lives and ensuring equity for all hospitality workers,” he said.

Mr. Browne also addressed broader issues within the hospitality sector, including exploitative practices such as requiring workers to pool tips with management. He cited instances where companies have separated the ownership of hotels from employment contracts to avoid accountability.

“These practices are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need for a union that will stand up for workers’ rights,” he said.

The Prime Minister suggested that a strong hospitality workers’ union could also help address the increasing reliance on immigrant labour in the sector. “When locals leave because they’re not being treated fairly, it places additional strain on the public sector and forces hotels to look elsewhere for workers. This cycle needs to end,” he explained.

Mr. Browne announced that a preliminary meeting with stakeholders, including hospitality workers and trade union experts, is scheduled for next week. The meeting aims to lay the groundwork for the formation of the new union.

“As Prime Minister, I want to be a catalyst for this change. Once the union is established, it will be up to its members to lead and make decisions that benefit them,” he said.

The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that all workers in Antigua and Barbuda share in the country’s economic growth. “We cannot have a situation where the economy is growing, but workers are being left behind. This new union is a step toward ensuring equity and fairness for everyone,” he said.

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