Strained Working Relationship; No Consultation Prior to Appointment of P.B.L. Board

Chiming in during the debate were senators Luke Martinez and Kevin Herrera, representing the National Trade Union Congress of Belize and the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, respectively.  On behalf of the NTUCB, Senator Martinez spoke about the strained and often contentious relationship between the management of the Port of Belize and its employees, while Senator Herrera pointed out that the private sector organization was not consulted with ahead of the selection of a business representative.

Luke Martinez

Senator Luke Martinez, National Trade Union Congress of Belize

“When we receive a presentation from our comrades at the CWU, Madame President, the loss was not one point five million dollars.  Even though this administration agreed, via a memorandum of understanding, culpa, mea culpa, I’m going to give you back one point five [million dollars, it’s a slap in the face of the workers who have lost millions of dollars, Madame President, millions.  Noh one point five million.  But to make matters worse because of the poor industrial relations that exist in this country, and a Minister of Labor who fails, continues to fail to ensure that we utilize the Labor Act and we administer the legal framework that falls under his ministry properly.  Because we continue to fail, Madame President, the industrial relations at the port continues to be bitter.”

Kevin Herrera

Senator Kevin Herrera, Business Community

“Madame President, it’s extremely important for us from the private sector about the management of the port.  I think Senator Martinez raised an awesome point just now in terms of representation on the board.  It’s one thing to say that private sector has representation, it’s one thing to say that the unions have representation, but it’s another thing to say who exactly is representing the private sector on the board.  I just checked with the CEO at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and she said that they weren’t consulted and again, we’re seeing a press release with members on the board.  And I’m just saying that it’s important that we take this seriously, I mean if you want to incorporate the various sectors and get their views then there are official channels to do that.”