APUA Cooperative Credit Union workers secure new wage and benefits deal

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has reached a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the APUA Cooperative Credit Union. The deal, covering the period from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, includes salary increases designed to help employees manage the rising cost of living.

In addition to wage hikes, workers will receive 10 additional days of paid sick leave, contingent upon providing a medical certificate. The agreement also establishes a plan to launch a retirement fund on January 1, 2029, with specific terms and conditions to be finalized in future discussions.

Negotiations were described as “challenging” by ABWU Senior Industrial Relations Officer Fernando Samuel, who noted that an agreement was reached only after the intervention of the Labour Department. Credit Union Office Manager Melissa Southwell remarked that while the talks were difficult, they were shorter than previous negotiations.