Workers’ Union implements training for over 95% of its shop stewards, preparing them to be ‘a force to be reckoned with’
Dozens of shop stewards from various companies have completed training in what is described as one of the largest gatherings of such officers to take place in Antigua.
The two-day workshop, hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU), was held on Wednesday, October 26, and Thursday, October 27.
According to the ABWU, “The activity, which was designed to strengthen capacity and build solidarity among both new and experienced shop stewards, consisted of several lectures, interactive presentations, audio-visual presentations and discussions.”
At the conclusion of the event, General-Secretary David Massiah told participants that the Union’s strength depends on the engagement of every shop steward.
As officers, “we do not have all the knowledge and information; but coming together, we all can be a force to be reckoned with at the end of the day,” Massiah told his audience.
He encouraged the participants to follow international developments in the world of work, and he warned that significant changes will impact workplaces, given that many countries – including Antigua & Barbuda – are preparing for a transition to green energy.
Meanwhile, Hazel Luke, Industrial Relations and Training Officer at the ABWU, described the workshop, which brought together over 95% of the Union’s shop stewards, as a resounding success.
Luke believes this augurs well for the future of the organization. Not only are the shop stewards better equipped in their roles, she said, but the workshop also created a platform for future engagements with them.
The workshop featured presentations on Divisions “C” and “D” of the Labour Code; lectures on Collective Bargaining and Leadership; and the exploration of the Shop Steward Guide Book, written by the late Sir Keithlyn Smith.
The facilitators of the workshop were Pascal Kentish, Deputy Labour Commissioner; Kem Warner of KAW Management Services; and several union officials.
Having completed the training workshop, the more than 80 participants will receive certificates of participation.
