The Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union (ABWU) is set to meet with Cost Pro Supermarket employees on Friday after the company abruptly ceased operations, leaving staff uncertain about their jobs and outstanding payments. According to Antigua News Room, ABWU General Secretary David Massiah and President Kem Riley visited the shuttered supermarket on Thursday evening after workers were informed that the business had closed with immediate effect.
The union said it will advise employees on their legal rights and outline the next steps available to them.
Workers received termination letters dated 9 July, formally notifying them that the supermarket had permanently ceased operations and that all positions had been made redundant. Management indicated that Thursday was employees' final working day and that payroll records would be reviewed to calculate outstanding wages, accrued vacation pay, notice pay where applicable, and severance entitlements in accordance with Antigua and Barbuda's labour laws.
Staff were told they would receive payment statements by 17 July and were asked to return any company property in their possession.
Despite those assurances, employees say they remain uncertain about whether they will actually receive the money owed to them, including wages and severance benefits. Many fear the sudden closure has placed them in immediate financial hardship.
Unverified claims have also circulated among workers that the company's owner may be preparing to leave Antigua and Barbuda. Those allegations have not been independently confirmed.
The reason behind Cost Pro's closure has not been publicly disclosed. Friday's meeting is expected to focus on protecting workers' rights and exploring legal and industrial options for recovering any outstanding payments.
