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 fair wage increases for security officers working at hospitals and clinics, who are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
The group’s action highlighted that about 40 IAM-represented security officers have worked without a collective bargaining agreement or general wage increases since 2021. According to union representatives, this situation is due to the Virgin Islands government, particularly the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) and the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), not fulfilling 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.”
Despite their role in protecting patients, healthcare staff, and the public—often under stressful conditions—the security officers have not received contract negotiations or pay raises as living costs continue to rise 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 also attracted support from other unions facing similar issues, reflecting wider calls for accountability regarding collective bargaining rights throughout the territory.
