North Coast Hardware workers are now benefiting from a new deal. The agreement was reached with the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union. As a result, employees now have improved terms and conditions.

Importantly, this is the first Collective Bargaining Agreement for the company. It comes after workers voted for unionisation several years ago. Therefore, the deal marks a major milestone for staff.

One key feature is a wage increase. Overall, workers will receive an 8% raise. This will be spread over several years. Specifically, there will be a 3% increase in 2025. Then, workers will get 2.5% in 2026. Another 2.5% will follow in 2027.

In addition, employees already received a 3% increase in 2024. This came during the negotiation process. Consequently, workers have seen steady wage growth.

The agreement also includes several new benefits. For example, workers will receive a $20 meal allowance. Moreover, fathers will get three days of paternity leave. These changes aim to improve daily support.

Furthermore, the deal introduces a retirement plan. This plan is set at 75% of severance. As a result, workers gain added financial security.

The company also agreed to renew driver’s licences. This applies to employees who work as drivers. In addition, a standard vacation accrual system is now in place. A compassionate leave provision has also been introduced.

Another major outcome involves job security. All contract workers will be made permanent. Therefore, employees now have more stable employment.

Meanwhile, Senior Industrial Relations Officer Kem Riley commented on the process. He said negotiations took time. However, he expressed satisfaction with the result.

“Securing this first agreement and benefits was a critical objective,” Riley said. He added that the union stayed committed throughout.

Overall, the union sees the agreement as a big step forward. It improves wages, benefits, and job security. As a result, North Coast Hardware workers now enjoy stronger protections and better working conditions.