Honour for strikers raises questions

St. John’s Antigua- Antigua Trades & Labour Union (AT&LU) has been warned by social commentator Arvel Grant that it might send the wrong message by honouring Emergency Medical Services workers who recently staged 16 days of industrial action.

The workers were presented with certificates during Sunday’s 72nd Annual Delegates Conference. AT&LU General Secretary Alrick Daniel said the recognition is because the solidarity displayed was “rare.”

“It was one of the longest (strikes) we’ve seen in the recent history of Antigua & Barbuda, and so we decided to honour these workers who decided to stay the course (and) show their commitment, not only for their own rights in respect to the benefits part of the issue that arose, but also standing up for solidarity for their colleagues,” Daniel said.

The workers took action in August after Supervisor Linton Paul was sent on leave and a junior promoted to his post. They were also pressing for, among other things, risk allowance and a reversal of what they said were inexplicable transfers and reassignments.

“One of the key issues is that they stood in solidarity with their colleague, Linton Paul. They were not doing it for themselves (and) that is very rare that you find workers doing it. You find most workers are looking for themselves. We felt that was very significant,” Daniel said.

But Grant, who was a guest on The Big Issues on which Daniel was speaking, said the award could send the wrong signal.

“I find it interesting a group of persons who would have been out for two weeks plus are being given certificates,” Grant said. “And I hope it’s not a subliminal message to workers that the longer you strike the more you will be commended by a union. These are very difficult times.”