As countries converge at the Commonwealth Conference in Antigua, critical issues affecting workers should be addressed.

Workers contribute significantly to the economies of member countries, but their basic rights are not always observed and, in some instances, are ignored.

There are many labour malpractices within the Commonwealth, and these practices occur even in the presence of labour and union officials who are supposed to ensure that a proper and conducive work environment is provided for workers.

Both union and labour officials in Commonwealth countries need to improve their efforts and reach workers at their workplaces to find out how they are being treated.

The most common problems workers experience at work include continuous salary delays, underpayment, working long hours without pay, and other labour-related issues. This could be related to forced labour because workers receive no payment for the additional hours they work.

Other problems include the suppression of workers who participate in the organisation of unions and the promotion of workers’ rights.

Union leadership that remains in office for too long prevents workers from choosing their desired leaders. This can result in workers having leaders they do not want representing them in their unions.

Governments, on the other hand, need to conduct inspections to find out what workers are experiencing. In this way, the mistreatment of workers may decrease.

We all know that slavery once existed and was recorded as one of the worst practices ever witnessed on Earth. If we are not careful, a replica of the same practice, in which workers work without being paid, could become another form of slavery.

A proper and conducive work environment must be created to prevent such issues from arising. This can be achieved when the Commonwealth discusses these matters with the respective countries and seeks solutions in collaboration with the unions and officials concerned.