ABWU Negotiates Landmark First Collective Bargaining Agreement for Vernon G. Edwards Employees

Workers at Vernon G. Edwards Limited have secured their first-ever Collective Bargaining Agreement — bringing to a close negotiations that had remained deadlocked for several years and delivering a suite of enhanced benefits to employees who had long awaited formal protections under a legally binding agreement.

The landmark agreement was reached between Vernon G. Edwards Limited and the Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union, the employees' representative body, and covers the period January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027.

New Management Unlocks the Stalemate

Significant progress was made in recent months following the appointment of a new management and negotiating team by the company. ABWU Industrial Relations Consultant Hazel Luke credited the breakthrough to the collaborative approach adopted by the new management and the active involvement of employees throughout the process. "The new management team, led by Mr. Jamil Spencer, demonstrated a genuine willingness to engage constructively and move the negotiations forward," Luke said. "The staff and shop stewards also played a vital role through their commitment and meaningful contributions."

Wages and Benefits

During negotiations, the Union acknowledged that the company had already implemented substantial salary adjustments for employees outside of the agreement. In recognition of those increases, the parties agreed to a wage freeze in the first year, followed by a 2% increase in the second year and 2% in the third year.

The agreement also delivers a range of important tangible benefits for workers. These include increased vacation entitlement, a new provision allowing employees to carry over up to one-third of their unused vacation leave from the previous year, a 10% discount on freight charges for employees' personal imports, provision of transportation for employees working beyond 6:30 p.m., and an occupational safety and health provision that requires an annual medical check-up and Personal Protective Equipment for employees handling packages originating from external sources.

The Union's Message

ABWU General Secretary David Massiah welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations and emphasised the Union's commitment to fostering productive relationships between employers and workers. "The Union seeks to build constructive relationships that benefit both employees and employers," Massiah said. "We believe that strong industrial relations contribute to stronger businesses, more satisfied workers, and healthier workplaces."

A Culture of Collaboration

Industrial Relations Consultant Jake Taylor also expressed satisfaction with the outcome and highlighted the company's commitment to a new approach going forward. "We are happy to have reached this stage," Taylor said. "We want to build a culture of collaboration. Traditionally, some people view management and unions as opposing sides, but we want to ensure that we do right by our employees."

The agreement is a significant milestone not only for Vernon G. Edwards employees, but for workers' rights more broadly in Antigua and Barbuda — a demonstration that persistent union advocacy, combined with a management team genuinely willing to engage, can unlock agreements that seemed out of reach for years.