Cost Pro Workers and ABWU Rep
Antigua and Barbuda – Workers at Cost Pro have taken industrial action, downing their tools in protest against the management’s unilateral decision to further reduce work hours.
Represented by the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU), approximately 100 workers are voicing their concerns over the lack of consultation and communication from Cost Pro’s management.
In an interview, Hugh Joseph, an officer of the ABWU, outlined the grievances of the workers. “Management first communicated their intention to reduce the workweek on May 21, but without any details on how they planned to implement this reduction,” Joseph stated. “They have not engaged in any meaningful dialogue with us.”
For the past year, the workweek for Cost Pro employees had already been reduced from 44 hours to 40 hours, as permitted by the Collective Agreement during slow business periods.
Now, management proposes to reduce the workweek even further, in some cases down to 32 hours. “We have made it clear that we are not prepared to accept any further reductions without justifiable reasons and proper negotiations,” Joseph emphasized.
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Despite the union’s objections, Cost Pro management has gone ahead and issued new schedules to employees.
These schedules show inconsistent working hours: some employees are now receiving 32 hours a week, others 36, while a few still maintain a 40-hour week. “This inequity should not be happening. If work is limited, it should be shared equitably among all impacted workers,” Joseph asserted.
The lack of communication and justification from CPR’s management has fueled the workers’ frustrations. “Management has not provided any details or reasons for these cuts. They seem to be disregarding the union and moving forward with their plans unilaterally,” Joseph said.
In response to these actions, the workers have taken a stand by downing their tools, halting operations at CPR. “The industrial action you’re seeing today is a direct result of management’s disregard for proper consultation and transparent negotiations,” Joseph explained.
The ABWU and its members remain firm in their position, calling for fair treatment and equitable distribution of work hours. As the situation continues to unfold, the union urges CPR management to engage in transparent negotiations and adhere to the Collective Agreement to resolve the ongoing dispute.
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