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 aimed to draw attention to what participants described as ongoing neglect of essential hospital and clinic security officers who have not received new contracts or wage increases for several years.
About 40 security officers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) work at hospitals and clinics throughout the territory. Since 2021, these workers have been without a collective bargaining agreement or general pay raises. Protesters blame this situation on the Virgin Islands government, specifically citing the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) and the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), which they say have failed 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.”
Security officers continue to protect patients, healthcare staff, and visitors in high-pressure environments but remain without updated contracts or wage adjustments 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 event also saw participation from other unions facing similar issues with contract negotiations, reflecting broader concerns over collective bargaining rights in the territory.
