Hospital Workers Will Not Strike; Concerned about Subvention

Andrew Baird

One union that will not be taking part in any industrial action against the government is the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s Workers Union.  That’s because during discussions this week between Prime Minister John Briceño and the executive from that union, the PM assured that he will endeavour to not have the K.H.M.H. subvention reduced as has been the case with the budget for almost every other sector.  

Andrew Baird, Vice President, K.H.M.H. Workers’ Union 

“That question was posed directly to the Prime Minister whether or not we would be cut and he made it clear to us that we are not involved in that because we are a statutory body. We are not public officers. That then brings into question the subvention because Karl Heusner receives an annual – or monthly subvention from the Government of Belize to facilitate – keep the doors open. There is where he said they will try their utmost best to ensure that the subvention of Karl Heusner is not cut.  However, if it is cut, it will be the prerogative of the Board to determine how that will be drawn down, whether to staff or whichever way.”