Question

CEF 06 2025 Employment on the US Base

Our constituents on the US Base have undergone several years of uncertainty with annual contract renewals.
I have been approached by many of our constituents who are concerned with the current agreements with V2X.
Concerns include (but are not limited to):

1. Salary changes
2. Repeated underpayment on agreed salaries
3. Job description changes including increased number of hours
4. Not being offered contracts within the grace period

As there has been so many issues, V2X have a representative on island to negotiate contracts with our constituents. Individuals have sought legal advice from on-island Lay Advocates as well as remote lawyers. Given the number of persons involved, is there opportunity for the public solicitor to work more closely with the V2X representative to ensure that our constituents are receiving the correct contracts which are legally suitable? Could the solicitor visit island to provide the face-to-face support which is required?

Given the issues faced, is the Employment Ordinance fit for purpose? Can this be reviewed by the Crown Counsel? Perhaps we need to review the need for a minimum wage to ensure persons are not being exploited?

Response from AIG:

Thank you for raising these concerns on behalf of constituents who work on the US Base.

We understand that a number of constituents have sought advice from the Public Solicitor’s Office via Lay Advocates on Ascension Island. Crown Counsel has also met V2X representatives, and he will meet the Public Solicitor during his upcoming visit to St Helena. Crown Counsel will relay your concerns to the Public Solicitor, and it will then be for the Public Solicitor to decide whether a visit to Ascension is required to provide additional support. In the meantime, please encourage your constituents to raise any concerns they have with their employing organisation directly and to seek advice from Lay Advocates, as required.

On his return to Ascension in October, Crown Counsel has offered to provide training around the employment ordinance either on an open basis or to specifically assist Lay Advocates and employing organisations on recurring themes, scenarios, and to promote best practice.

The Employment Ordinance 2022 was introduced to modernise employment regulation on Ascension Island and includes safeguards such as mandatory welfare obligations, fair contract terms, and grievance procedures. AIG continues to monitor its effectiveness, but consideration of any changes to the ordinance must be approached with careful deliberation and regard for broader implications.

Councillor Laura Shearer

Submitted: 26 August 2025

Response: 10 September 2025