IAM Union members, along with labor and community allies, gathered outside Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s State of the Territory address in the U.S. Virgin Islands to demand overdue contracts and fair raises for hospital and clinic security officers. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the situation of about 40 security officers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), who have worked without a collective bargaining agreement or general wage increases since 2021.
According to IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin, “Our union will always stand shoulder to shoulder with workers who are demanding the respect they have earned. 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.”
The lack of progress has been attributed to what demonstrators say is a failure by the Virgin Islands government—specifically the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) and the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB)—to fulfill their legal responsibilities. Security officers continue their work protecting patients, healthcare staff, and the public under difficult conditions while facing increasing living costs.
IAM Southern Territory Special Representative John Vigueras stated, “The message from our members and the community is simple: enough is enough. 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 protest received support from other unions experiencing similar contract challenges, highlighting wider calls for accountability regarding collective bargaining rights across the territory.
