Negotiations scrapped, teachers plan strike
Last Friday the unions were out in force in Belmopan to make known their opposition to proposed increases in Social Security contributions. But by Monday evening, after labour and government representatives met to negotiate their differences, it appeared that the problem was on its way to resolution. That’s why today’s news was so startling. Despite their previous agreement to engage in more talks with government, union leaders have confirmed to News 5 that beginning on Monday, members of the Belize National Teacher’s Union will walk out of their classrooms and not return until August, effectively cutting the school term one week short. Government was caught flatfooted by what appeared to be a bad faith manoeuvre and this morning Minister Francis Fonseca had still not been officially informed. But Fonseca, government’s point man on education, says that Cabinet remains committed to the negotiating process.
Francis Fonseca, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office
“Well certainly we are committed to full consultation. In fact the Minister of Finance earlier this week met extensively with the leadership of the N.T.U.C.B. We felt that we had reached some resolution in terms of the way forward. We’re committed to continuing the consultation to the rest of this week with them and arriving at some sensible agreement on the matter. Certainly, it would not be in the interest of anyone to have schools closed next week. And we believe that if we have further consultations and further discussions this week, we think that wisdom will prevail and that the leaders of the N.T.U.C.B. will see that that is not the approach that should be taken in this matter. We need to resolve this matter sitting around the table, talking to each other and working for the best interest of the children.”
Jacqueline Woods
“And if that doesn’t happen?”
Francis Fonseca
“If that doesn’t happen, then obviously we will have to take other steps, other initiatives, to ensure that our children are able to sit their exams, if exams are going on next week. Many schools have closed, others have not closed, so we will have to look at that. But we have not, as I said, received any official position from the Trade Union Congress that that is their position in terms of schools.”
Jacqueline Woods
“So as far as government is concerned all schools should remain open?”
Francis Fonseca
“As far as we are concerned, yes, all schools will be open next week.”
