Workers at Jolly Beach Resort are set to benefit from a newly signed collective bargaining agreement between the Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union (ABWU) and the resort's management. According to Antigua News Room, the agreement marks a significant milestone in formalising standard provisions on wages and working conditions for employees.
Negotiations began less than a year ago, after the company accepted the union's invitation to commence talks following the resort's reopening post-COVID-19 pandemic closure. The successful conclusion of those negotiations reflects a shared commitment to constructive dialogue and industrial harmony.
ABWU General Secretary Sen. David Massiah described the agreement as an important moment for the resort's workforce. "Securing a collective bargaining agreement at the earliest opportunity is a fundamental obligation of the Union and a clear demonstration of our commitment to the workers we represent. This agreement ensures that employees have defined protections, fair terms, and a structured framework for their employment from the outset," Massiah stated.
Mark A. Grebby, Group Senior Vice President of Elite Island Resorts Caribbean / St. James's Club (Antigua) Ltd — the company managing Jolly Beach Resort — commended both negotiating teams for their professionalism throughout the process. "We sincerely appreciate the ABWU's constructive participation and professional engagement on behalf of the dedicated employees stationed at Jolly Beach, Antigua," Grebby said.
The new agreement enshrines industry-wide terms covering wages, allowances, uniforms, and transportation. The contract runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027.
