Labor unions in the U.S. Virgin Islands announced on March 24 the formation of the U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation, a new coalition aimed at strengthening the voice of workers across the territory.
The launch comes as union leaders cite rising costs, stalled contracts, and growing frustration among employees as key reasons for uniting. The federation seeks to mobilize workers, build alliances with community organizations, and ensure that upcoming elections result in tangible improvements for working families.
“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 various sectors including education, law enforcement, industrial work, maritime trades, and public service. Unions involved 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.
Union leaders established the federation after a joint strategy meeting where they assessed current challenges facing workers following recent elections. According to an executive board statement: “Our goal is simple: bring workers together to speak with one unified, powerful voice… The Area Labor Federation is going to change that.”
Key concerns identified by participating unions include widespread contract delays leaving many employees without wage increases or proper enforcement mechanisms; ongoing struggles with low wages despite minimum wage hikes; workforce shortages in critical areas like law enforcement; unsafe conditions in classrooms and government buildings; delays at labor relations boards; unresolved retirement system contributions; lack of collaboration between labor and management; and limited inclusion for some employees in bargaining units.
To address these issues moving forward, the new federation plans coordinated efforts such as leadership training seminars for members and stewards; unified communications strategies to amplify worker voices; and increased political engagement through candidate interviews and legislative budget hearings.
