Former Sheer Rocks employee Joshuanette Francis has issued six open letters to government officials and tourism organisations, calling for changes to Antigua and Barbuda’s labour laws and stronger protection for workers.
The letters, dated October 18, are addressed to Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez, Cabinet Secretary Konata Lee, the Directorate of Gender Affairs, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
Francis said her campaign follows an Industrial Court award of EC$61,118.32 that remains unpaid in full. According to her letters, the court ruled in her favour on May 22 after her former employer conceded liability for unfair dismissal. Payment was due June 30, she said.
“This matter has grown beyond my former employer and me. It is now about changing the law,” she wrote.
Her letter to Fernandez urges him to engage parliamentary colleagues and the ministers responsible for labour and legal affairs on improving enforcement of Industrial Court awards. She also asks that worker welfare and compliance with judgments form part of tourism industry standards.
In her appeal to Lee, Francis requests that the matter be placed before Cabinet for a review of enforcement delays, costs and barriers. She seeks a written response identifying whether Cabinet will consider the issue and which ministry would lead.
The letter to Gender Affairs focuses on maternity protection, women’s economic independence and disability inclusion. Francis says she experienced pregnancy without wages and was not reinstated when her maternity leave ended in November 2021.
She asks the Tourism Authority to support dialogue among workers, employers, unions and government, arguing that destination promotion should be accompanied by attention to fair employment practices.
Her letters to the national and Caribbean hotel associations seek industry support for legislative reform, maternity protection, disability inclusion and timely payment of court awards.
Across the six appeals, Francis links her demands to Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations to host Commonwealth leaders, arguing that international human rights commitments must be reflected in local workplaces.
“Our people are not disposable resources,” she wrote. “They are the foundation of our tourism product.”
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Joshuanette Francis issues six open letters seeking action on workers’ rights.