The Antigua and Barbuda Public Service Association (ABPSA) has acknowledged recent gains for public servants while pressing the government to move urgently on reclassification, fair compensation, and outstanding payments owed to workers affected by the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
According to Antigua.news, the union issued its official Labour Day message on May 4, 2026, honouring public officers across the country as the "backbone of the nation" whose contributions, it said, remain essential but frequently underappreciated.
The ABPSA recognised that the settlement of long-standing back pay and the implementation of a five percent interim salary increase have brought some relief to workers. However, the union was clear that those steps do not mark the end of the road.
"While we acknowledge progress, we must also speak with clarity as progress is not completion," the ABPSA stated.
At the centre of the union's agenda is the upcoming public service reclassification exercise scheduled for July 2026. The ABPSA described the initiative as one of the most significant reforms in recent years, warning that its outcome will directly affect compensation, morale, staff retention, and the long-term appeal of public sector employment.
The union is calling for the reclassification to be carried out with fairness and transparency, and for its effective date to be aligned with arrangements already granted to other unions.
The ABPSA also renewed its appeal for payments to workers who were required to remain at home during the COVID-19 vaccine mandate period. The union noted that remuneration had been promised and should be delivered without further delay.
The Association outlined the principles it believes must guide reform going forward — systems that are transparent, grounded in current economic realities, and reflective of workers' qualifications, responsibilities, and performance.
The union also pointed to mounting pressures on public servants amid rising living costs, arguing that compensation structures must evolve to meet modern demands.
"This is not about entitlement; it is about equity," the ABPSA emphasised, adding that properly valued public servants strengthen institutions and contribute to national development.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the government, but made clear that dialogue must yield tangible results.
As Labour Day celebrations unfolded, the ABPSA urged its members to remain united and engaged, and called on national leaders to act with urgency and collaboration in addressing workers' concerns.
The message closed with a reminder that the broader fight for fairness, dignity, and opportunity continues, both locally and globally, as workers press on in their advocacy for improved conditions and recognition.
