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IAM Union members joined labor and community allies to take a stand outside Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s State of the Territory address in the U.S. Virgin Islands, demanding long-overdue contracts and fair raises for essential hospital and clinic security officers who have been ignored by government leadership for years.
The public action highlighted the ongoing injustice faced by approximately 40 IAM-represented security officers working at U.S. Virgin Islands hospitals and clinics. Since 2021, these essential workers have labored without a collective bargaining agreement or general wage increases due to the failure of the Virgin Islands government—specifically the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) and the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB)—to meet their legal obligations.
READ: Labor unions protest outside State of the Territory St. Thomas Source
“Our union will always stand shoulder to shoulder with workers who are demanding the respect they have earned,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “These essential security officers have shown patience and professionalism for years. It’s past time for the Virgin Islands government to negotiate in good faith and deliver the contracts these workers deserve.”
Despite protecting patients, health care workers, and the public in often stressful and dangerous environments, these workers continue to be denied fair treatment as the cost of living rises across the islands.
READ: Protestors call on Bryan administration to fix schools, negotiate union contracts Virgin Islands Daily News
“The message from our members and the community is simple: enough is enough,” said IAM Southern Territory Special Representative John Vigueras. “The governor and the legislature must fix the OCB and PERB, honor the law, respect collective bargaining rights, and deliver fair contracts and raises to the essential workers who keep our islands safe and running. This public action was about accountability and making sure these workers are no longer ignored.”
The public action drew support from other unions and workers facing similar challenges, underscoring a growing demand for accountability and respect for collective bargaining rights across the territory.
The IAM Union will continue to hold government leaders accountable and fight to ensure that essential workers in the U.S. Virgin Islands receive fair contracts, fair pay, and the respect they deserve.
