Unions Launch U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation to Strengthen Workers’ Voice Across Territory

ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, March 24, 2026 - At a pivotal moment for working people in the U.S. Virgin Islands, labor unions representing employees employed throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands have come together to launch the U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation (ALF) - a unified coalition aimed at mobilizing workers, building broad alliances with grassroots and community organizations, and ensuring that the upcoming election cycle delivers real results for working families.

With rising costs, stalled contracts, and growing frustration across the workforce, union leaders say this moment demands action - and unity. The ALF is being formed to ensure that workers are organized, engaged and prepared to hold both incumbents and challengers accountable.

"This will not be business as usual," said U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation Executive Board President Carver Farrow. "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 newly formed federation, which represents approximately 4,000 workers, brings together a diverse coalition of unions representing educators, law enforcement, industrial workers, maritime workers, and public employees, including:

• IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers)
• American Federation of Teachers (AFT) 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
• American Association of University Professors - University of the Virgin Islands

The federation was established following a joint strategy meeting where union leaders conducted a comprehensive assessment of current challenges facing workers and outlined a unified path forward in the wake of recent elections.

"Our goal is simple: bring workers together to speak with one unified, powerful voice," said the U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation 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."

During the inaugural meeting, participating unions identified several urgent issues impacting workers across the territory, including:

• Widespread contract delays: Many collective bargaining agreements have expired, with workers operating under extensions that include no wage or step increases and limited enforcement mechanisms.
• Rising cost of living and low wages: Despite increases in the minimum wage, many workers continue to struggle to make ends meet.
• Workforce shortages, particularly in law enforcement and public services.
• Unsafe working conditions, including unhealthy and structurally deficient classrooms and government buildings.
• Breakdowns in labor relations infrastructure, including delays at the Public Employees Relations Board (PERB) and ongoing concerns with the Office of Collective Bargaining (OCB), such as stalled negotiations and unresolved backpay.
• Retirement system concerns, including outstanding employer contributions to the Government Employees' Retirement System (GERS).
• Lack of labor-management collaboration despite contractual requirements.
• Limited inclusion in bargaining units for certain employees.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation is launching a coordinated effort to strengthen member engagement and expand labor's influence across the territory, including:

• Leadership and steward training seminars to mobilize rank-and-file members
• A unifiedcommunications strategy to elevate the voice of working people
• Increased political engagement through candidate interviews and participation in legislative budget hearings.

"The formation of this federation marks a turning point," said the U.S. Virgin Islands Area Labor Federation Executive Board. "We are committed to mobilizing our members, holding elected officials accountable, and ensuring that working families are at the center of every major decision affecting our islands. When workers stand together, we build power. And with that power, we will secure a stronger future for working families throughout the Virgin Islands."