Labour Minister Pledges Support for Workers

Flowers stressed that Labour Day should serve not only as a commemoration, but as a platform for engagement and action, where workers’ voices are heard at the highest levels.  Minister of Labour Kareem Musa delivered the keynote address where he was able to address several concerns noted at the rally by union members.  One Dorla Staine took the podium to speak on her plight and many years of waiting for her severance from the Belize Electricity Limited.  Minister Musa gave public assurance that he will be in her corner fighting for what is owed to her.  He also addressed the issue of unionism among municipal workers across the seven municipalities that are lacking.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Labor: “The CCJ has given a decision. There’s nowhere else to go after that. There’s nowhere else to go. There’s no other appeal process and know that there is processes in terms of a review and BEL might not be on the same position as BTL but from what you’re saying Ms.Staine it sounds like they didn’t pay you severance and if that is the case you can count on my voice again the same way I did for BTL I will be in your corner. Because severance is something that every single worker in this country is entitled to. I also acknowledged the speakers before Mr. President of the PSU we hear you on the PPP issue loud and clear and Mayor Wagner I’m tasking you, you’re still there mayor so you can lead the way for the rest of the municipalities in terms of taking care of our municipal employees and ensuring that they are protected at work. Madam President of the CWU I know you listed a number of issues. I’m aware of those issues. I can assure you that within two weeks to a month we will have the appointment of a new chair of the ESAT, the former chair due to a conflict of interest resigned and so we will be getting a new chair within two weeks to a month so you can be assured of that.”

The rally at Bird’s Isle drew a wide cross-section of Belize’s labour movement, with several union leaders using the occasion to highlight ongoing challenges facing workers nationwide.