IAM Union members, along with labor and community supporters, gathered outside Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s State of the Territory address in the U.S. Virgin Islands to demand overdue contracts and fair wage increases for security officers working in hospitals and clinics. The demonstration focused on approximately 40 security officers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), who have been without a collective bargaining agreement or general wage increases since 2021.
The union attributes this situation to what it describes as a failure by the Virgin Islands government, specifically naming the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) and the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), to fulfill their legal responsibilities regarding contract negotiations.
“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.”
Security officers continue their work protecting patients, healthcare staff, and visitors under challenging conditions while facing rising living costs across the islands.
“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.”
Support for this action came from other unions experiencing similar difficulties, highlighting broader concerns over labor rights throughout the territory.
