ABWU Secures 11% Salary Increase and Expanded Benefits for ECAB Workers Under New Agreement

Employees of the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) are set to receive a salary increase and an enhanced package of benefits following the signing of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the bank and the Antigua and Barbuda Workers' Union (ABWU).

The agreement, which covers the period 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2028, delivers an 11 percent salary increase over three years, with high-performing employees eligible for an additional increase of up to 2 percent on their annual salary.

Beyond pay, the deal introduces a series of improvements to the terms and conditions of employment. These include paid study leave, an increase in paternity leave from five to ten days, five days of paid adoption leave, reduced working hours on Fridays, and improved long-service compensation.

"Real progress for our members"

ABWU Senior Industrial Relations Officer Fernando Samuel described the negotiations as constructive and praised the cooperation shown throughout the process.

"The negotiations were very smooth and all parties were pleased with the outcome. I am satisfied that the benefits contained in this agreement represent real progress for our members," he said.

Shop Steward Glenroy Aaron welcomed the outcome, saying the agreement reflected a shared commitment to a healthy working relationship. "This agreement shows that the bank and the union are working together for the benefit of both employees and the organisation," he said. Fellow Shop Steward Natasha Joseph-Richards also expressed satisfaction with the result while encouraging greater efficiency in future rounds of bargaining.

Bank stresses partnership

ECAB General Manager Michael Spencer underscored the importance of the collective bargaining process in fostering a productive and balanced workplace, saying the agreement reflected the bank's ongoing commitment to its relationship with the union and its members.

"We are determined to ensure that our staff are treated fairly and that we are operating in an extremely harmonious environment. We're very focused on that," Spencer said.

Manager of Human Resources Sandra Abbott reiterated the bank's commitment to "open, transparent and respectful communication" with the union, while General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Tracy Benn-Roberts, a member of the negotiating team, commended the long-standing relationship between the two institutions that helped produce what she called a "win-win outcome."

Representatives from both sides said outstanding matters deferred during the talks are expected to be resolved in the coming months, in keeping with the spirit of cooperation that characterised the process. The ABWU said it remains committed to partnering with employers to negotiate fair agreements that improve workers' lives and promote stable, productive workplaces.