B.N.T.U. and P.S.U. Stand With C.W.U.

The C.W.U. received support from the Belize National Teachers Union and the Public Service Union today. Elena Smith, President of B.N.T.U., says the teachers understand the stevedore’s situation.

Elena Smith

Elena Smith, President, B.N.T.U.

“As Unions, we always support our sisters and our brothers. We do not interfere in the work of our fellow Union brothers and sisters. But when requested, when asked, and when it comes to these kinds of situations we do show solidarity. So, our purpose for being here today, if you notice, B.N.T.U. is here, P.S.U. is here, I am not sure who else is here, we are here to show solidarity with C.W.U., because we understand what it is that they are going through. We understand their plight. And, as workers as well, we are here to provide that support as best as we can.”

Paul Lopez

“Where does your support draw the line, when it comes to the external impacts of this standoff on the private sector and those employees?”

Elena Smith, President, B.N.T.U.

“Well, I think we all know that once unions take a stand we are always deemed to be doing so illegally, whether it is B.N.T.U., P.S.U., it doesn’t matter. We keep hearing, we are being told it is illegal. In terms of, as a union, when or where step back comes from our membership. So as we get information from the C.W.U., it will go to our membership and from there we make those decisions.”