Belize Workers Union calls for resolution to crisis

Also in respect of the strike, the Belize Workers Union, representing hourly paid workers at BSI, today issued a release expressing regret on the death of Atanacio Gutierrez, the cane farmer who was shot during Monday’s protest in Orange Walk. According to the union, work stoppage at the cane industry can potentially result in a loss of one hundred million dollars to Belize’s economy. The union says that an expected reduction on sugar prices in 2009 will also have an additional adverse impact to stakeholders. It urges the Cane Farmers Association and all other stakeholders to return to negotiations and to reach agreement to ensure quote a “win-win situation” for all.

And the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier this week also called on all parties involved in the Sugar Cane Industry to respect the rule of law. The Chamber echoes the sentiments of the Belize Workers Union that the stakeholders should immediately resume negotiations to find a solution to the dispute.