IAM Union members and their supporters gathered outside Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s State of the Territory address in the U.S. Virgin Islands to demand new contracts and wage increases for hospital and clinic security officers. The group, which included labor and community allies, called attention to what they described as years of neglect by government officials.
The protest focused on about 40 security officers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) who work at hospitals and clinics across the territory. These workers have not had a collective bargaining agreement or general wage increase since 2021. According to IAM, this situation is due to failures by the Virgin Islands government, specifically naming the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB) and the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), which have not met 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 providing protection in stressful environments for patients, healthcare staff, and visitors, IAM says these security officers continue to be denied fair treatment as living costs rise in 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.”
Supporters from other unions also joined in solidarity during this public demonstration, pointing toward a broader push for improved labor relations throughout the territory.
