IAM Union members, along with labor and community supporters, held a demonstration outside Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s State of the Territory address in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The protest called attention to the lack of contracts and wage increases for security officers at hospitals and clinics, who are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
About 40 security officers have worked without a collective bargaining agreement or general wage increases since 2021. Protesters say this is due to failures by the Virgin Islands government, particularly the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) and the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), to meet their legal responsibilities.
“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 security officers continue their work protecting patients, healthcare staff, and visitors under challenging conditions as living costs increase 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.”
The demonstration received support from other unions facing similar issues in contract negotiations throughout the territory.
