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 strengthen their voice across the territory.
The launch comes at a time when workers face rising costs, stalled contracts, and ongoing frustrations about workplace conditions. The new federation aims to unite approximately 4,000 employees from various sectors—including educators, law enforcement officers, industrial and maritime workers—under one organization to address these challenges collectively.
“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 includes unions such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), 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.
Union leaders identified several pressing issues during their inaugural meeting: many collective bargaining agreements have expired or been extended without wage increases; cost-of-living concerns persist despite minimum wage hikes; workforce shortages affect key public services; unsafe working conditions remain in some classrooms and government buildings; delays continue at agencies like the Public Employees Relations Board and Office of Collective Bargaining; retirement system contributions are outstanding; labor-management collaboration is lacking despite contractual requirements; and some employees are excluded from bargaining units.
“Our goal is simple: bring workers together to speak with one unified, powerful voice,” said the federation’s Executive Board. “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.”
Looking ahead, the ALF plans coordinated actions including leadership training seminars for members’ mobilization efforts as well as communications strategies aimed at raising awareness about labor issues across the territory. Increased political engagement through candidate interviews and participation in legislative budget hearings is also planned.
