Labor unions in the U.S. Virgin Islands announced on March 24 the formation of the U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation, a coalition designed to mobilize workers and build alliances with grassroots and community organizations. The new federation aims to ensure that upcoming elections deliver results for working families throughout the territory.
The creation of this federation comes at a time when many workers face rising costs, stalled contracts, and frustration with current conditions. Union leaders say their goal is to organize and engage workers so they can hold both incumbents and challengers accountable during election cycles.
“This will not be business as usual,” said Carver Farrow, Executive Board President of the U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation. “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.”
The federation represents about 4,000 workers from several unions including educators, law enforcement officers, industrial employees, maritime workers, and public employees. Among its members are the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), American Federation of Teachers Local 1825, United Steelworkers, Virgin Islands Police Benevolent Association, Seafarers International Union (United Industrial Workers of NA), American Federation of School Administrators, American Association of University Professors – University of the Virgin Islands, and others.
Union leaders formed the ALF after a joint strategy meeting where they assessed challenges facing local workers following recent elections. During its inaugural meeting, participating unions highlighted urgent issues such as widespread contract delays resulting in expired agreements without wage or step increases; rising living costs; workforce shortages in law enforcement and public services; unsafe working conditions in classrooms and government buildings; breakdowns in labor relations infrastructure like delays at the Public Employees Relations Board; concerns about retirement system contributions; lack of labor-management collaboration despite contractual requirements; and limited inclusion for some employees in bargaining units.
The ALF plans coordinated efforts such as leadership training seminars for union members along with unified communications strategies to raise awareness about worker issues across the territory. Increased political engagement through candidate interviews and participation in legislative budget hearings is also part of their approach moving forward.
