— Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union President Bernard de Nully says cleaners and other lower-paid workers deserve the same level of respect in the workplace as people holding senior management positions.

“A cleaner should be given the same respect as a General Manager,” de Nully said during his address to the AT&LU’s 87th Annual Delegates’ Conference.

He said treating workers with dignity, regardless of their position, is essential to improving industrial relations in Antigua and Barbuda.

“Basic Human Dignity is not an entitlement but a universal right that each worker must be given both in the Private and Public Sector,” de Nully said.

His comments formed part of a wider appeal for improved treatment of workers and stronger protection of their rights.

De Nully argued that developing a stronger workforce requires employees to have confidence in their unions and for workplaces to respect the rights and contributions of workers at every level.

The AT&LU president also used his address to highlight several grievances affecting public-sector workers, including outstanding payments and concerns about the treatment of non-established workers.

The union represents more than 10,000 workers across Antigua and Barbuda.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Cleaner Deserves Same Respect as General Manager, De Nully says.