Workers across Antigua and Barbuda now have access to a powerful new ally in the fight against workplace injustice, as two seasoned veterans of industrial relations and employment advocacy have joined forces to defend employees facing unfair treatment at the hands of employers.
The new partnership brings together Anderson Carty, a widely respected figure in industrial relations, and Javonson Willock, an experienced employment and human resources consultant – both of whom bring first-hand, hard-won knowledge of the toll drawn-out workplace disputes can take on individual workers. Carty first made his name in legal circles with a landmark unfair dismissal case that began when he was fired from his role while out on vacation. His fight for justice wound its way through every tier of the national legal system, from the Industrial Court to the Court of Appeal, and ultimately reached the Privy Council. Today, his case remains a cornerstone of legal and policy discussions around exemplary damage awards in unfair dismissal proceedings across the region.
Willock, too, brings personal experience of systemic workplace injustice to the new partnership. He has long spoken openly about his own six-year battle against unfair employment action, which began when he was pressured to resign over unproven misconduct allegations. At the time, he was repeatedly denied access to the evidence the allegations were based on, despite multiple formal requests. What followed was years of legal wrangling, which ultimately ended with multiple court rulings ruling in his favor. That experience, Willock says, gave him an unfiltered look at the gap in support for ordinary workers navigating disciplinary claims, unfair pressure and formal workplace investigations.
In a recent statement, Willock emphasized that their shared personal experiences navigating high-stakes workplace disputes have given both men unique insight into the multi-layered burden these conflicts place on employees. Beyond the legal costs, workers face crippling emotional stress and long-term professional damage that often goes unrecognized by institutions and employers alike. “It is because of those experiences that we have chosen to combine forces to advocate on behalf of employees who believe they have been treated unjustly,” Willock explained.
While the pair prioritize amicable, out-of-court resolutions whenever possible to reduce the strain on workers, they have made clear they will not shy away from vigorous legal action when employers refuse to adhere to basic labour standards. “The requirements of the Labour Code and good Industrial Relations practice are not optional,” Willock noted, adding that the pair intends to hold employers fully accountable when they show blatant disregard for established labour protections.
Industry observers note that the new partnership marks a shift toward more assertive, worker-centered advocacy in key areas of workplace conflict, including unfair dismissal, disciplinary disputes, workplace victimization, and systemic breaches of labour law. For workers in Antigua and Barbuda who have previously felt overwhelmed, intimidated, or out-resourced when confronting employers on their own, the collaboration fills a critical gap in available advocacy and representation services, expanding access to justice for marginalized and disadvantaged workers across the country.