Stevedores picket P.M.’s office

And while things were going fine at the Tourism Village, activities involving a different port of entry were still in a state of flux. News 5’s Patrick Jones has the story.

Patrick Jones, Reporting

The stevedores today shifted their picket to the corner of Queen Street and Gabourel Lane, to bring their dispute with the Port of Belize Limited to the steps of the Prime Minister?s office. President of the Christian Workers Union Antonio Gonzalez, says the rank and file have okayed a set of counter proposals in response to one made last week by P.B.L.

Antonio Gonzalez, President, Christian Workers Union

?Just reinforce our position as to the position with our stevedores, the employment situation and the recognition of the union and plus that the terms and conditions and the salaries remain. Those are our major points, our strong points whereby we will stick by. I mean this is the position of the stevedores, this is the position of the union and we have to defend those positions.?

The C.W.U. proposals focus on a small number of issues. Gonzalez says the major one, union representation for the workers, is high on their agenda.

Antonio Gonzalez

?I think that we are looking at a situation where by simultaneously that could be worked out at the same time, meaning that the employment and the recognition goes hand in hand. That is one of the main areas of concerns and we believe that we will put up good proposals to the other party.?

But with such optimism, why picket the Prime Minister?s office?

Antonio Gonzalez

?Well just want to reaffirm our determination and to let the government and the leader o this country know that the stevedores are together, they are here to defend their rights and as a union, the Christian Workers Union we are here to go along with it. We will protect their rights and that?s the reason why we?re looking forward to a meeting this evening with the prime minister. To state our position and to look for a reasonable solution to this dispute.?

This morning?s protest, like the previous ones at the Port compound and Luke Espat?s office, did not last long, and after a ninety march in front of the P.M.?s office, the group disbanded as their leaders headed to Belmopan for a follow up meeting with Port of Belize Limited and mediator, Minister of National Development, Assad Shoman. Patrick Jones, for News 5.