The Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union (ABWU) has formally notified the Ministry of Labour following the abrupt closure of Cost Pro supermarket, raising concerns about unsigned termination letters issued to staff.
ABWU General Secretary David Massiah said the union moved quickly after learning of the closure, meeting with affected workers before contacting labour authorities.
"We would have reached out to the Minister of Labour; we have reached out to the Labour Department, advising of the abrupt situation that occurred at Cost Pro, where employees received a memo, and in some cases an unsigned letter, indicating that the 9th of July was their last day," Massiah said.
Workers have been instructed to return all company property by July 17th, though it remains unclear whether outstanding payments will be settled by that date. "They would need to return all company documents, all company properties by the 17th of July, which by that time, management will have some information regarding their pay. We are not aware if he is going to be paying all of that at the time on the 17th," Massiah said.
The union is prepared to act once that deadline passes. "Whatever it is, the union is prepared to respond based on actions that will happen on the 17th of July," he stated.
The ABWU is advising affected workers to ensure they collect all monies owed, including notice pay, vacation pay, severance, outstanding wages from their final pay period, and any other legally entitled benefits. Employees have also been urged to gather letters of employment, pay slips, and other relevant employment records to facilitate accurate calculation of their entitlements.
In a press release, the union said it has advised affected employees that it will pursue every available avenue — including court action — to ensure the employer honours all statutory obligations.
The union said it continues to await further word from Cost Pro management on outstanding payments as the July 17th deadline approaches.
The closure has also reignited calls for the Government to implement Severance Protection Legislation in Antigua and Barbuda. The ABWU's statement recalled previous situations involving Jolly Beach Resort, LIAT (1974) Ltd, and Tranquility Bay — cases where workers struggled to recover their entitlements. Such legislation would establish a fund to safeguard employees in similar circumstances.
"Cost Pro workers should not have to relive it," the union said.
