IAM Union members and their supporters gathered outside Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s State of the Territory address in the U.S. Virgin Islands to call for fair contracts and raises for security officers at local hospitals and clinics. The demonstration focused on 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.
The IAM claims that government agencies, specifically the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) and the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), have failed to meet their legal obligations regarding negotiations with these workers.
“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.”
The union says that despite working under difficult conditions—protecting patients, healthcare staff, and visitors—the officers continue to be denied contract negotiations even as living costs rise in the territory.
“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.”
Other unions also joined in support of these demands, reflecting broader concerns among organized labor in the U.S. Virgin Islands over stalled contract talks.
