…but will unions buy?

And if that one percent becomes law, the unions, according to B.N.T.U. President, Anthony Fuentes, will keep their options open.

Jacqueline Woods

“Was the one percent increase discussed?”

Anthony Fuentes, President, B.N.T.U.

“Yes, that was discussed but nothing much came out of that because government is hell bent on the one percent increase and the unions are not in favor of that one percent increase.”

Jacqueline Woods

“So what happens if come Friday the Statutory Instrument is signed?”

Anthony Fuentes

“Well in fact the National Trade Union Congress of Belize will be meeting and we will be coming up with our position.”

In related news, the newly constituted Social Security Board held its first directors meeting on Tuesday afternoon. According to an S.S.B. release, the board’s actuary, Hernando Perez Montas, made a presentation on the actuarial status of the Fund, which was followed by an “open and frank” discussion. Board Member Michael Polonio, representing the Chamber of Commerce, was elected deputy chairman. The board is headed by government appointee Yasin Shoman.