The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has signed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Elite Resorts, securing improvements in wages and benefits for employees.
During the first year of the agreement, workers will receive a 5% wage increase, while additional salary adjustments will see some employees benefitting from increases of up to 9% in the second year. Overall, the new CBA will deliver an average increase of 15% over its three-year term.
In addition to wage improvements, the agreement introduces several important benefits. These include a Death-in-Service award, calculated as 50% of severance value. The new CBA also introduces a Public Holiday clause, which clarifies the company’s obligation to honour the holiday-pay requirement. Further, employees on paternity leave will now remain eligible for service charge payments, ensuring they are not disadvantaged while on leave.
Both the Union and Elite Resorts have agreed to reconvene in January 2026 to finalise the provisions for the final year of the contract.
ABWU President and Senior Industrial Relations Officer, Kem Riley, described the agreement as a meaningful step forward in improving conditions for resort employees.
“Ultimately, the employees have expressed satisfaction with the new CBA, but there is still more work to be done,” Riley noted. “We look forward to securing even greater benefits for workers when we resume talks next year.”
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement covers the period 1 July 2024 to 31 June 2027.