Union Senator Wants OSH Law

Luke Martinez

While the acquisition of the Port of Belize was supported and passed in the upper house, Senator for the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Luke Martinez stressed that the working conditions of the stevedores must also be improved. He highlighted cases where the stevedores work in less than appropriate conditions.

Luke Martinez, Senator, N.T.U.C.B.

“Everyday workers who go to the Port of Belize – the minute they step on that grounds, they are exposed. They are exposed to some serious threats to their health and safety. Occupational safety and health, Leader of Government Business, must be a priority. It must be a priority. Allow me, Madam President, to give a quick reflection of when one of those containers fell on a worker. You could imagine that? You could imagine workers swinging on these workers and Madam President – no helmet, no straps, no protection. It’s just them and the elements because there is no safety legislation in this country, Madam President.  Madam President, the safety of the residents in that area is equally as important. So we have to look out for the health and safety of the workers. We have to look after the health and safety of the managers who will be there. We have to look after the safety and health of those who live nearby. To ensure that the ownership of our port. It’s safeguarded in all aspects.”