A new workplace advocacy partnership has emerged as respected Industrial Relations figure Mr. Anderson Carty and employment and Human Resource Consultant Captain Javonson Willock combine their experience, knowledge, and strategy to represent employees facing unfair treatment in the workplace.

Carty is widely known for his landmark legal battle after reportedly being dismissed while on vacation. His matter progressed through the Industrial Court, the Court of Appeal, and ultimately the Privy Council. The case is now significant in shaping discussions surrounding exemplary damages in unfair dismissal matters.

Willock, who has also publicly spoken about his own prolonged employment disputes, says his experiences exposed him to the realities many employees face when confronted with allegations, disciplinary proceedings, and workplace pressure. According to Willock, his own legal journey began after he was allegedly pressured to resign over misconduct allegations while simultaneously being denied access to evidence he had requested. What followed, he said, was a six-year legal battle that resulted in multiple rulings in his favour.

Willock, speaking from his Facebook page, says that their personal experiences have given them a better understanding of the emotional, financial, and professional strain employees often endure when workplace disputes arise. “It is because of those experiences that we have chosen to combine forces to advocate on behalf of employees who believe they have been treated unjustly,” Willock states.

While both men remain committed to resolving disputes amicably wherever possible, Willock made it clear that they are fully prepared to pursue matters vigorously where necessary. “The requirements of the Labour Code and good Industrial Relations practice are not optional,” Willock said. Therefore, they intend to hold employers accountable when they demonstrate a flagrant disregard for those standards.

The partnership signals what appears to be a more assertive approach toward workplace advocacy in matters involving unfair dismissal, disciplinary disputes, workplace victimization, and breaches of labour standards.

The collaboration between Carty and Willock is expected to expand advocacy and representation services available to employees across Antigua and Barbuda, particularly for workers who may feel intimidated or disadvantaged when confronting workplace disputes on their own.