Labor unions in the U.S. Virgin Islands announced on March 24 the creation of the U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation, a coalition formed to strengthen workers’ representation and mobilize for change across the territory.
The new federation brings together approximately 4,000 workers from various sectors, including educators, law enforcement officers, industrial and maritime workers, and public employees. The coalition aims to build alliances with grassroots and community organizations while focusing on ensuring that upcoming elections deliver results for working families.
Carver Farrow, president of the federation’s executive board, said: “This will not be business as usual. Working people are coming together to build real power — and to elect leaders who will fight for better wages, safer workplaces, and a stronger future for our Territory.”
According to the executive board of the federation: “Our goal is simple: bring workers together to speak with one unified, powerful voice. For too long, working people in the Virgin Islands have faced rising costs, stalled contracts, and limited political engagement. The Area Labor Federation is going to change that.”
The formation of this group follows a joint strategy meeting where union leaders assessed current challenges facing local workers after recent elections. Among key concerns identified were widespread contract delays leading many employees to work under expired agreements without wage increases or strong enforcement mechanisms; rising living costs despite minimum wage hikes; workforce shortages in critical areas like law enforcement; unsafe workplace conditions; delays at labor relations boards; unresolved retirement system contributions; lack of collaboration between labor and management; and limited inclusion in bargaining units.
To address these issues moving forward, the federation plans leadership training seminars for members, a coordinated communications strategy aimed at amplifying worker voices across media platforms, increased political engagement through candidate interviews and legislative budget hearing participation.
