Workplace stress and its impact on mental health will be the focus of a special panel discussion that will form part of the Antigua & Barbuda Workers’ Union 58th Annual Delegates Conference.

The issue has become a growing concern, as many workers are struggling to cope with the increased demands of modern work environments. Some commonly cited effects of workplace stress include burnout, anxiety, depression, and declining productivity.

According to ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes, stakeholders in the world of work must act now before the issue reaches crisis proportions.

“Stress on the job is not just a personal matter—it’s a workplace issue,” Hughes said. “Employers and unions must work together to create healthier working environments where employees feel supported, respected, and valued. Mental health must be treated with the same urgency as physical safety.”

The panel discussion will explore practical strategies for managing stress, reducing stigma around mental health conversations, and fostering a culture of care in the workplace.

The distinguished panellists include Feona Charles-Richards, clinical psychologist; Harriet Warner, an experienced counsellor and Edgar Diaz, Regional Secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean -International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).

This important forum will take place during the business session of the Conference on Monday, September 22, at 2:00 p.m. It forms part of the Union’s broader initiative to make mental health support and stress management key priorities in collective bargaining, workplace policies, and employer practices.