Minister of Labor Weighs in on C.W.U./P.B.L. Trade Dispute
Oscar Requeña
The Christian Workers Union met with stevedores today at its headquarters in Belize City to discuss the way forward in respect of the latest developments amid the labor dispute with the Port of Belize Limited. While the waterfront workers gathered with their representatives, Labor Minister Oscar Requeña also addressed the issue in parliament, providing a timeline that began with a letter written by C.W.U. earlier this month.
Oscar Requeña, Minister of Labor
“In their letter the union indicated that the dispute stems from the Port of Belize Limited‘s refusal to abide by the award for the tribunal handed down on January 27th, 2022. The union also indicated that they invoked a twenty-one day notice to institute action against the Port of Belize Ltd. in accordance with section sixteen of the settlements of dispute in the Essential Services Act Chapter 298. The ministry has been involved in two meetings with both the union and the Port of Belize Ltd. On May 5th, 2023 and May 11th, 2023, respectively, to assist parties in settling the matter. However, these were not successful. In July 2021, the CWU reported to the minister a trade dispute including the matter of the redundancy package for stevedores. The minister, in accordance with sections eleven and twelve of the aforementioned act referred the said dispute to the tribunal for settlement.”
