David Massiah, General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union, has called for urgent labour reform, warning that existing legislation must keep pace with a rapidly changing world of work.
According to Antigua News Room, Massiah delivered the call in a Labour Day message centred on the union's 2026 theme: "Strengthening our Commitment to Social Development and Equity." He described the theme as both a forward-looking agenda and an acknowledgment of the past struggles that secured modern worker protections.
Massiah highlighted several key milestones in Antigua and Barbuda's labour history, including Labour Day's designation as a public holiday in 1951 and the union's own formation in 1967. He credited those developments with advancing conditions such as the Antigua Labour Code and Social Security benefits, and recognised founding figure Malcolm Daniel for his role in reducing the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours.
Despite those hard-won gains, Massiah argued that current frameworks are no longer adequate. He pointed to the rise of artificial intelligence, remote work, and the gig economy as major shifts fundamentally altering the employment landscape.
The union chief called for updated legislation, stronger accountability mechanisms, and expanded training programmes to help workers remain competitive. He also stressed the importance of protecting employees from exploitation and ensuring fair wages and equal opportunities, with particular emphasis on women and young people.
Among the union's specific proposals is the introduction of disability insurance to better support workers injured on the job.
Labour Week activities are set to culminate in the union's annual rally and march on Monday at its Lower Newgate Street headquarters, where members are expected to gather and continue advocating for meaningful reform.
