Prime Minister calls B.N.T.U. to meeting

As we said there may be a resolution to the industrial action because just before six o’clock this evening, the Prime Minister responded to the Belize National Teachers Union in respect to a letter sent to the Prime Minister earlier today. In a more conciliatory tone, the Prime Minister clarifies that the basis for inviting the N.T.U.C.B. to meet is to finalize a joint position on the good governance agenda.  The letter from the P.M. reads “This was done only after I was made aware of the N.T.U.C.B. position that, as the umbrella organization to which B.N.T.U. belongs, N.T.U.C.B. is the proper bargaining agent to conclude this matter with government. It is nevertheless the fact that it was with the individual B.N.T.U. entity that the negotiations began. And in view of that and your letter today, I think the justice of the situation requires that I have another meeting with the B.N.T.U. to further address the issues raised. I do remind, however, that the N.T.U.C.B. is in the process of scheduling their meeting (of which you are also to be a part) with me. Whatever understanding Government and the B.N.T.U. might reach in an earlier meeting would thus have to be canvassed again at the later meeting with the N.T.U.C.B. That is the only way we can ultimately have a consensus supported by all.” The Prime Minister then requests a meeting to be held on Thursday afternoon. Up to news time the B.N.T.U. has not responded.