Employees at the Ministry of Agriculture stopped work on Thursday, citing unsafe buildings, health hazards and unresolved salary issues they say have gone unaddressed for years.
The Antigua Trades and Labour Union said staff across livestock, veterinary, meat inspection, crop protection and quarantine units have been working in deteriorating facilities marked by water damage, mold, contamination and shortages of basic equipment and supplies.
Industrial relations officer Kerry Dyer said internal safety reports were repeatedly submitted but no corrective work followed. Workers described years-long problems, including fungal growth at the meat processing plant, unreliable transport, and the absence of drinking water.
Quarantine officer Sherry McIntosh said her unit was moved to makeshift quarters that lack proper laboratory space, storage and safety features. She said staff have reported recurring illness and that several promised meetings with ministry officials were cancelled without explanation.
Employees also cited unpaid overtime dating back to 2019, stalled promotions and staffing levels that have fallen well below operational needs. Some officers said border-protection duties are now being carried out with half the required personnel.
Union officials said a long-scheduled consultation for 25 November was postponed again this week, prompting the coordinated work stoppage. Workers said they intend to remain off the job until they meet directly with the minister and permanent secretary.
As of Thursday, neither official had issued a statement or visited the affected sites. The union said inspections are planned for Friday before determining further action.
