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 ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
The new federation brings together approximately 4,000 workers from various sectors, including educators, law enforcement, industrial workers, maritime employees, and public servants. The initiative aims to address concerns such as rising living costs, stalled contracts, workforce shortages, and unsafe working conditions that have led to growing frustration among local employees.
“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.”
According to the federation’s executive board: “Our goal is simple: bring workers together to speak with one unified, powerful voice. For too long, working people in the Virgin Islands have faced rising costs, stalled contracts, and limited political engagement. The Area Labor Federation is going to change that.”
The participating unions include IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), American Federation of Teachers Local 1825, United Steelworkers, Virgin Islands Police Benevolent Association, Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Supervisors Union, Seafarers International Union (United Industrial Workers of NA), American Federation of School Administrators, and American Association of University Professors – University of the Virgin Islands.
In its first meeting following recent elections in the territory—which also served as a joint strategy session—union leaders identified widespread contract delays without wage or step increases; low wages despite minimum wage hikes; workforce shortages; unsafe work environments; delays at labor relations boards; unresolved retirement system contributions; lack of labor-management collaboration; and limited bargaining unit inclusion for some employees as key issues facing their members.
To address these challenges moving forward, the federation plans leadership training seminars for union stewards and members along with a coordinated communications strategy intended to amplify worker voices throughout legislative budget hearings and candidate interviews.
