The Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union (ABWU) has amplified its presence on the world stage, participating in the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) Tourism Services Section Conference in London. According to Antigua.news, delegates gathered to address workers' rights, gender equality, and the push for a more sustainable global tourism industry.
ABWU General Secretary David Massiah, who serves as Chair of the ITF Tourism Services Section, attended the June 23–24 conference alongside ABWU Shop Steward Briann Russell. They joined trade union leaders and international tourism stakeholders from across the globe.
Opening the conference, Massiah challenged governments and industry leaders to ensure that the rapid expansion of global tourism translates into tangible benefits for the workers who drive the sector.
"Too often, those same workers are the ones facing the greatest insecurity, informal work, low wages, unsustainable working conditions, and increasing pressure from changing business models," he said.
A major highlight of the conference was the launch of the ITF–UN Tourism Global Report on Women in Tourism Transportation — the first comprehensive international study examining the role of women across the air, road, rail, and maritime passenger transport sectors. The report identifies significant barriers facing women, including disparities in recruitment, pay, career progression, and leadership opportunities, and offers practical recommendations toward a more inclusive and equitable workforce.
An accompanying action plan urges governments, employers, and trade unions to adopt gender-responsive legislation, strengthen workplace protections, improve health and safety standards, and expand access to education, training, and leadership development for women employed throughout the tourism transport industry.
The conference also examined the future of tourism through discussions on strengthening Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, expanding union membership, promoting safer tourism destinations, and ensuring a just transition toward more sustainable tourism practices.
Delegates engaged directly with representatives from UN Tourism, the University of Surrey, the World Travel and Tourism Council, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and other leading international organisations during a dedicated Tourism Industry Forum.
Massiah stressed the importance of deeper collaboration between governments, employers, trade unions, and international partners.
"The future of tourism cannot be shaped by any one group alone. Governments set the framework. Industry drives investment and innovation. Workers deliver the service and the experience," he said.
He added that meaningful partnerships are essential to ensuring tourism continues to generate economic growth while delivering fair employment and social progress, particularly in tourism-dependent regions such as the Caribbean.
Beyond London, Massiah also visited UN Tourism Headquarters in Madrid, Spain, where discussions continued on strengthening cooperation between international tourism institutions and the global labour movement.
The ABWU stated that its participation reflects the Union's continued commitment to keeping the voices of Caribbean workers at the centre of international discussions shaping the future of tourism.
