Hotel Workers to Receive Wage Increase in January
Thousands of workers employed at hotels that are signatories to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) and the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) will benefit from a weekly wage increase of $25.00, effective 1 January 2026.
The adjustment follows several weeks of robust negotiations between the Union and the Hotel Association. This increase marks the second weekly raise of $25.00 obtained for workers under the current three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement which expires on 31 December 2027.
Commenting on the development, ABWU Deputy General Secretary Chester Hughes stated: “The only pathway to a sustainable tourism industry is one where all stakeholders, in particular the workers, share fairly in the prosperity generated by the industry.”
The wage increase applies to workers employed at the following properties:
● Blue Waters
● Carlisle Bay
● Curtain Bluff
● The Inn at English Harbour
● Hawksbill
● Hodges Bay Resort & Spa
● Antigua Village
● Cocobay
● Cocos
● Hermitage Bay
● Siboney Beach Club
● Buccaneer
● Heritage Hotel
● Keyonna Beach Resort
● Admirals Inn
Additional benefits workers enjoy under the current Agreement include increases in the meal allowance (from $15 to $30 per meal); Spread-over Allowance (from $29 to $35 weekly); Graveyard Shift Allowance (from $27 to $35 weekly) and Paternity Leave (extended from 5 days to 7 days).
The Agreement also increases the retirement fund contributions from 2.5% to 3%, providing added financial security for workers during their senior years. Other enhancements to existing benefits include an increase in the compassionate leave to 5 days for parents, spouses or children and 3 days for grandparents and siblings.
