…as unions do likewise

Meanwhile Belize’s union representatives continued to hold their meetings today as they finalize their response to the budget. This afternoon, Public Service Union executive Hubert Enriquez told News 5 that following discussions in Belmopan last week, each union was mandated to come up with its own plan of action for this week. Meetings are set for tomorrow with the labour umbrella organisation, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, to coordinate those recommendations. While Enriquez would not identify specific plans being explored by the union movement, it is understood that a go slow, work to rule has already been instituted for public officers, while plans are being finalized for more serious industrial action. News 5 also understands that there are demonstrations planned for Friday’s budget debate in Belmopan. In related news, we erroneously reported on last night’s newscast that the Senate would meet today to pass the new tax bills. In fact no date has yet been set for Senate ratification and it is unclear exactly when the new tax measures will go into effect. On Wednesday in Belmopan the Senate Select Committee to investigate the Social Security Board will meet and it is understood that general manager Narda Garcia will be among those called to testify.