Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) President Bernard De Nully is calling for workers to receive pensions that provide real financial security, saying retirement benefits must be sufficient for people to live on.

Speaking at the joint AT&LU and Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Labour Day rally on Monday, De Nully said pensions should not be treated as a formality, but as a meaningful safeguard for workers after years of service.

He indicated that the issue goes beyond simply receiving payments, pointing instead to the need for pensions that reflect the cost of living and allow retirees to maintain a reasonable standard of life.

The union leader’s remarks formed part of a broader message on workers’ rights and welfare, as the labour movement marked its 75th anniversary.

De Nully also reaffirmed the union’s commitment to advocating for workers across multiple sectors, stressing that the organisation will continue to push for improvements in conditions and benefits.

“The AT&LU will fight for you until results are achieved,” he said.

He signalled a more results-driven approach under his leadership, telling supporters that the union is prepared to take stronger action where necessary.

“All this talk… is finished. It is time for action,” De Nully said.

The call for livable pensions adds to ongoing discussions about wages, working conditions and long-term financial stability for workers in Antigua and Barbuda.