( Real News Antigua ) The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) is working on several programmes and policies that are geared specifically towards making the
employment life of women more comfortable.
Over many decades, the rights of women and girls have been neglected or
overlooked, making it very hard for them to advance in certain business
sectors where the dominant figures are male.
Issues affecting women and girls have also been downplayed or totally
ignored, prompting accusations of, and criticisms about, gender-based
discrimination.
Acknowledging that there are many issues impacting females, President Kem
Riley says the Union is planning to address one of them in particular: women’s
health.
Working with its affiliate, the Uni-Global Union, and listening to the ordinary
workers, the Workers’ Union has come to understand that menstruation,
maternity, and menopause are real issues that impact the ability of female
workers to function at their best, Riley says.
Therefore, over the next few months, the Union intends to work along with
employers to ensure that adequate breaks, supplies, and accommodation are
afforded to those affected by these issues.
Additionally, he says the Union will undertake a drive to ensure that
employers truly understand and are sensitized to these issues affecting
females, so that women and girls will not be disadvantaged in their careers.
Meanwhile, another issue that the Union will be seriously addressing – and
which is chief among workers’ concerns – is the issue of severance protection,
Riley says.
The ABWU president says that, on too many occasions when companies
become insolvent, the workers’ right to severance is ignored or treated as a
minor issue.
Therefore, the Union is now working closely with members of the United
Progressive Party to study and develop a proposal for the establishment of a
Severance Protection Fund, which would ensure that workers’ monies are
readily available whenever severance is due.
