Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union President Kem Riley has raised concern about the misuse of sick leave during the Carnival season, warning employees that the benefit must be used responsibly.

Speaking at the ABWU’s 59th Annual Delegates Conference, Riley said the union had observed an increase in absenteeism and the abuse of sick leave during the annual festivities.

He stressed that employees who are genuinely ill must be protected and should never face victimisation because of their medical condition. However, he said workers also have a responsibility to be honest when claiming sick leave.

“Genuine illness must never become grounds for victimisation,” Riley said. “However, at the same time, workers, you must understand that sick leave is a benefit intended only for legitimate illness.”

Riley repeated that sick leave must be used responsibly, saying trust and mutual respect are required from both employees and employers for workplaces to function effectively.

His comments came during a broader discussion about workplace discipline and the union’s responsibility to defend employees from unfair treatment.

Riley said the ABWU would continue protecting workers against unfair dismissal, victimisation, discrimination, unjustified suspension and unfair redundancy practices.

At the same time, he acknowledged that employers have legitimate interests and that workers must be held accountable when they fail to meet their responsibilities.

“We are not asking for workers to be above accountability,” Riley said. “We are asking for accountability to be fair, consistent and just.”

The union president said workplace investigations must be genuine, employees must be allowed to respond to allegations, and any disciplinary action must be proportionate to the conduct involved.

Riley argued that a fair workplace requires obligations on both sides, with employers respecting workers’ rights and employees using workplace benefits, including sick leave, only for their intended purpose.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: ABWU President Raises Concern Over Carnival Sick Leave Abuse.