Port employees take protest action on outstanding collective bargaining agreement and what they see as wasteful spending

Employees at the Port Authority took industrial action at the
Ministry of Legal Affairs, seeking an audience with Attorney-General
Sir Steadroy Benjamin on Monday morning, November 13.

The contract of the Port employees, who are represented by the
Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), expired in July 2019.
Since then, the Union reportedly has been relentless in attempts to
secure a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

However, it alleges that, on every occasion, it has been told that Port
Manager Darwin Telemaque is overseas.

The workers have alleged that whereas the Port’s management has
refused to sign the new CBA, citing a lack of finances, the general
manager, at his discretion, has hired approximately 60 persons since
January 1, 2023.

Further, the aggrieved employees claim that the general manager
has employed three bodyguards and leased a motor vehicle for their
use, and that the said vehicle receives petrol from the pumps at the
Port Authority.

They also claim that only the employees represented by the AT&LU
– who are administration; mechanics maintenance; stores; crane
operators and tow operators; and the Marine Department – are
adversely impacted by the lack of a signed CBA.

The other employees represented by the Antigua and Barbuda
Workers Union are fully covered by a binding CBA, they say.
Of particular concern is the alleged recent practice of outsourcing
services of the Port Authority – such as sanitation, towing, and
trucking services – that employees are being paid to provide.

The workers are irked by the reported hiring of a “marketing
manager” – said to be the daughter of a Labour Party spokesman –
when the Port Authority is a monopoly.

In the meantime, they complain, they cannot receive promotions,
upgrades, or increases.