The Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) launched its 22nd Triennial Delegates Conference today, themed “One Caribbean, One Voice: Advancing Workers’ Rights through Governance and Solidarity.”
This year’s focus is on “Balancing Mobility and Protection: Building a Fair Labour Migration System,” addressing urgent challenges facing workers throughout the Caribbean.
In his opening presentation, President Bernard DeNully underscored the importance of equal rights for migrant workers, paralleling those of local employees.
He highlighted the core mission of the Antigua & Barbuda Trades and Labour Union, which is dedicated to safeguarding workers’ rights and ensuring fair wages.
DeNully engaged meaningful discussions regarding the Decent Work Agenda, advocating for employers to uphold standards that protect the dignity and rights of all workers, particularly vulnerable groups such as domestic workers.
There was a strong emphasis on the need for social dialogue and collaboration among trade unions, governments, and employers to guarantee that migrant workers receive adequate protections and pathways to meaningful employment.
These discussions aim to inform policies that not only safeguard workers’ rights but also bolster the economic upliftment of families across CARICOM member states.
The commitment to collective bargaining and fair treatment remained central to the dialogue, reflecting the CCL’s unified stance in the fight for workers’ rights throughout the Caribbean.
DeNully is accompanied by 1st Vice President Lisa Ann Yearwood and Executive Member Jaquis Browne.
The conference will continue tomorrow as a formal business session with presentation of reports and financial statements, motions and resolutions, nominations for the election of officers, election, and the inauguration of the executive.
The session will also see amendments to the constitution and applications for membership.
The A&BWU and ABPSA are also represented at the Conference in Trinidad.
