AT &LU’s Alrick Daniel Urges Workers to Save, Pursue Lifelong Education
Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) General Secretary Alrick Daniel is urging workers to adopt better financial habits and commit to lifelong learning, warning that future economic challenges will require both discipline and preparation.
Speaking at the joint AT&LU and Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Labour Day rally, Daniel cautioned workers against wasteful spending, saying the time has come to take a more responsible approach to money management.
“The days of squandering money — leave that in the past,” Daniel said, encouraging workers to plan ahead and build financial security for themselves and their families.
He stressed the importance of saving, noting that hardship is inevitable and workers must be prepared. “Save so you can meet any eventual… hardship, because at some point hardship will arise,” he said.
Daniel also placed strong emphasis on education, calling on workers—regardless of age or stage in life—to continue developing their skills.
“Learning is lifelong,” he said, urging those who may have left school early not to view their age or circumstances as barriers.
He pointed to opportunities at institutions such as the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and other training programmes, encouraging workers to take advantage of available resources to improve their prospects.
Daniel further urged workers to rethink how they approach employment, describing the workplace as more than just a source of income.
“It is not just a place that you go and earn a dollar… it is a means by which you and your family survive and advance your standard of living,” he said.
The AT&LU general secretary said workers should strive for professionalism, productivity and upward mobility, while making themselves more competitive in an evolving global environment.
His remarks formed part of the union’s Labour Day message marking its 75th anniversary, with a focus on preparing workers for economic uncertainty and long-term advancement.