PM Says Government Will Defend Salary Cuts in Court if Necessary

Approximately three weeks have passed since the Belize National Teachers Union decided to put its strike actions on hold. Following a record-breaking five weeks of striking, today PM Briceño told the press that he is grateful the union decided to end its industrial action and give the government an opportunity to implement its homegrown economic recovery plan.  But, does the union’s retreat signal a victory for the Government of Belize in negotiations? That is what we asked PM Briceño. 

Prime Minister John Briceño

“We were not in negotiations; we were in consultations. And there is nothing about victory, we are trying to do what is best in our minds for the Belizean people. I am grateful that the Unions decided to give us an opportunity. Yes, they pushed, and they tried as best as they can to represent their constituents, which is the membership of the Unions. And we understand that. I understand that and I respect that. I probably would have been doing the same thing. But, I do appreciate that at the end of the day, they decided, let’s give it a chance, let’s give it a shot. At the end of the day, as I tell everybody, all of us are in this thing together. We either swim together or we sink together. I am looking and doing everything possible so that we can swim together towards the shore, where we can have better opportunities for everyone.”

John Briceño

Reporter

“I believe the teachers have filed a claim and they are focused on the individual contracts, in terms of fighting the salary cut. Has your legal team advised you on that?”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well, we are taking a look at all of that. I believe we got good legal advice as to how we are going about doing that. It’s their right if they want to go to the courts. And, if they do, we will also go and represent our part, to defend the position that we took.”