Dozens of workers from various industries enhanced their understanding of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) during a recent training workshop hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU).
The workshop provided an in-depth exploration of Division C of the Labour Code, covering key topics such as Basic Employment, Termination, Remuneration, Severance Pay and Unfair Dismissal.
Participants benefited from the expertise of officials from the Labour Department, including Labour Commissioner Eltonia Anthony Rojas and Deputy Labour Commissioner Pascal Kentish, who provided valuable insights into the legal frameworks governing employment in Antigua and Barbuda.
Day two of the workshop focused on Occupational Safety and Health, with the Union’s Training Coordinator, Hazel Luke surveying critical OSH regulations which include ILO Conventions 155 and 187, Division D of the Labour Code, and the Labour Commissioner’s Act which gives the Labour Commissioner the right to inspect the conditions of work at any workplace.
The session equipped workers with the skills to identify workplace risks and hazards and implement effective control measures to enhance safety standards.
The ABWU also took the opportunity to educate workers on the Union’s history and membership benefits. A highlight of the event was the introduction of the Union’s new membership portal.
This innovative platform, which has been in development for several months, will provide members with improved access to their union representatives and streamline communication between the Union and its members.
Workshop participants were the first group of union members to receive a guided tour of the new portal.
Participants shared overwhelmingly positive feedback on the workshop. One worker remarked, “It has been a very informative experience. I’m sure most of us are leaving with greater knowledge and clarity on challenging workplace issues.”
Another participant added, “This workshop has boosted my confidence and equipped me to handle various workplace situations more effectively.”
This is the second major training initiative hosted by the ABWU this year, with several more planned for the coming months. Each year, the Union invests more than $80,000 in training for its members and facilitates additional educational opportunities through its partnership with the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies in Trinidad and Tobago.
The ABWU remains committed to empowering workers with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate the labour market and build thriving careers.