Prime Minister Gaston Browne has yet again addressed the pressing need for better compensation for hotel workers in Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing the robust growth in the tourism sector and the evident profitability of hotels.
Despite claims from hotel management about financial constraints, the Prime Minister pointed out the contradiction evident in the continuous expansion of these establishments.
“Hotels often claim they are not doing well financially and therefore need to keep salaries low.
“However, their annual expansions tell a different story, clearly indicating profitability,” stated Prime Minister Browne.
He highlighted that with the economy growing at a rate of 8% and tourism contributing 60% to the GDP, it is apparent that hotels are benefiting significantly.
The Prime Minister criticized the lack of forceful advocacy and protest from unions, which he believes is necessary to ensure hotels improve wage conditions.
“The union representing hotel workers needs to step up with more activism, possibly even protestations, to ensure that hotels are held accountable for fair wage practices,” he added.
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Furthermore, Prime Minister Browne discussed plans to increase the minimum wage next year, from the current rate of approximately $8.90 per hour to potentially $10.00 per hour, noting that this would still place hotel workers’ earnings too close to the minimum wage.
“Hotel workers should not be earning just 10% to 15% more than the minimum wage. They deserve better,” he argued.
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The Prime Minister also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve overall working conditions across various sectors, including for taxi operators and other tourism-related services, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of its citizens.
This push for higher wages comes amid broader governmental measures to improve economic conditions for workers, such as increasing the minimum pension to $1,000, which would significantly exceed that of other regional counterparts.
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