ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, May 15 2015 – Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin has written to General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union confirming the government’s pledge to address the issue relating to the Banking Act at an upcoming sitting of the Lower House of Parliament.
In his letter to ABWU General Secretary David Massiah, Benjamin made reference to a consultation held on Friday 8th May with the union during which he made a verbal promise to the delegation to amend the placement of the words “severance payments” as they now appear in the Banking Act, 2015.
Minister Benjamin advised that following consultations with the Cabinet on Wednesday 13th May, he promised to provide in writing the fulfillment of the promise which he made publicly.
“The Government of Antigua and Barbuda will, at the next sitting of parliament, insert the words “severance payments” on a separate line in the legislation on the Order Paper,” the Attorney General’s letter read.
He outlined that it is his anticipation that his letter would satisfy the further demand which the union made publicly, to allow for more clarity on their part.
Meanwhile, following a two-day strike by some members in the banking community, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Bankers Association Mr. Michael Spencer advised the Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Sir Dwight Venner that bank employees have returned to work.
He outlined that based on feedback received from the respective members, normal banking operations resumed at the seven commercial banking institutions on the island.
