Social Security workers sign new contract

First it was teachers and public officers who signed their three-year labour pact with government. Now, in a similar vein, the Belize Social Security Board has formalized its collective bargaining agreement with employees. The pact signed today between the S.S.B. and Christian Worker’s Union, calls for a general salary increase of fifteen percent, running retroactively from July first, 2001 to June thirtieth, 2004. In addition to the fifteen percent wage hike, there will be an additional one percent increase if the board’s revenue collections in 2003 exceed thirty-seven million dollars, and a further one percent raise if collections reach thirty-nine million. The agreement also calls for larger employee allowances, such as those for vehicles, rent and vacation. Signing on behalf of Social Security was Executive Chairman Eberto May, directors Joe Waight and Yasin Shoman, and General Manager Narda Garcia. Representing the C.W.U. were president Antonio Gonzalez, general secretary James McFoy and chief union representative Kevin Jones.