Trade Unions' Political Affiliation An Issue

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Monday, 21 November 2011 02:30

By Everton Barnes

Antigua St John's - The relationship between the two largest trade unions in Antigua and local political parties remains an issue for other members of the trade union movement.

Those sentiments were expressed by the new executive of the Antigua and Barbuda Trade Union Congress during a Sunday afternoon radio talk show.

The Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU) is affiliated with the ruling UPP administration, while the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU) is linked to the opposition Antigua Labour Party.

General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Free Trade Union Stafford Joseph accused the leadership of these two trade unions of not giving workers issues due attention because of their political affiliation.

“The major trade unions forget their roles as trade unionists, and they are dictated to by politicians," he said.

"Because of this, workers have become despondent and they are distrustful of the union leadership."

Joseph said workers are not getting the level of representation they deserve, and he is appealing to the political directorate to allow their trade union affiliates to operate freely.

First Vice President of the TUC, Ashworth Azille, of the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers, said there is a recognition that trade unions should operate outside the sphere of political influences.

He noted that there have been attempts to separate the two major trade unions from political influences, but this is an ongoing process.

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