IAM Union members and their supporters held a public demonstration outside Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s State of the Territory address in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The protest called for overdue contracts and fair wage increases for security officers working in hospitals and clinics, who have been without a collective bargaining agreement or general pay raises since 2021.
About 40 security officers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) are affected. Protesters say that both the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) and the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) have failed to meet their legal obligations to 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.”
Security officers continue to work in challenging conditions protecting patients, health care staff, and members of the public, while facing rising living costs across 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 participated in support, highlighting broader concerns about contract negotiations and labor rights throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.
