The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has secured a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for employees of the APUA Cooperative Credit Union, delivering improvements in wages, leave, and retirement benefits.
Under the three-year agreement, employees will receive salary increases to help offset the impact of the rising cost of living.
A major achievement of the negotiations is an agreement to establish a retirement fund, scheduled to commence on 1 January 2029. This initiative represents an important step towards strengthening workers’ long-term financial security and helping them prepare for retirement. The specific terms and conditions governing the fund will be finalised through subsequent discussions between the parties.
Workers will also benefit from an additional 10 days of paid sick leave, subject to the provision of a medical certificate. This improvement provides greater support for employees during periods of illness and allows more time for recovery when health circumstances require it.
Senior Industrial Relations Officer at the ABWU, Fernando Samuel, described the negotiations as “challenging,” noting that an agreement was only reached following the intervention of the Labour Department.
Meanwhile, Office Manager at the Credit Union, Melissa Southwell noted that despite the challenges, the negotiations were not as protracted as previous engagements. She extended congratulations to the staff on their newly attained benefits and conditions of employment.
The ABWU extends sincere appreciation to its members at the Credit Union for their patience, solidarity, and unwavering support throughout the negotiations. Their continued confidence in the Union and commitment to the collective bargaining process remain vital to advancing workers’ interests and welfare.
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement covers the period 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: ABWU Secures Improved Wages And Benefits For APUA Credit Union Workers.