O.S.H. Bill to Return in February

Nikita Usher

The last word on the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, which died in Parliamentary committee prior to the 2015 general elections, was that it would be revived in discussion between the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. It had been one of the eight points raised by the Belize National Teachers’ Union during its industrial action in October. But the Chamber, speaking for the majority of Belize’s employers, has long had issues with the Bill and is seeking compromise legislation to address those concerns. Its President, Nikita Usher, gave us an update today.

Nikita Usher, President, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry

“The Unions and the Chamber has been in consultation; we’re working on a finished product as to what will be the OSH Bill in its final [form] before it reaches actually into Government hands. We are in the process now. As it stands currently, the Chamber is not in support of the OSH Bill. As it stands currently, there has to be some enhancements to it and that is the process we are going through. We should have that completed by the middle of next month.”