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 aimed at mobilizing workers and building alliances with community organizations throughout the territory.
The new federation comes as workers face rising costs, stalled contracts, and widespread frustration. Union leaders say this coordinated effort is intended to ensure that employees are organized and engaged ahead of upcoming elections, with a focus on holding both incumbents and challengers accountable.
“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.”
Representing approximately 4,000 workers from various sectors including education, law enforcement, industry, maritime work, and public service, the federation unites several unions such as IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), 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 among others.
The creation followed a joint strategy meeting where union leaders assessed challenges facing local workers after recent elections. The Executive Board stated: “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.”
Key issues identified include contract delays leaving many without wage increases or strong enforcement mechanisms; continued financial struggles despite minimum wage hikes; workforce shortages in law enforcement; unsafe conditions in schools and government buildings; slowdowns at labor relations agencies; unresolved retirement system contributions; lack of collaboration between labor management; and limited bargaining unit inclusion for some employees.
To address these concerns moving forward, the federation plans leadership training seminars for members as well as an enhanced communications strategy to amplify worker voices across legislative forums.
