Union’s members demand retirement issue be settled by resolution

The impromptu Council of Management meeting that delayed elections also forced the Belize National Teachers’ Union to postpone the hearing and voting on five resolutions presented to the Annual Convention. Discussion eventually took place during the counting of votes. Of the five resolutions two were voted down, both related to financial matters. Of the approved motions, the membership voted overwhelmingly for the union to aggressively pursue Proposal twenty-two that speaks to compensation upon retirement of support staff and teachers at grant aided secondary schools. The teachers want this matter resolved by the end of the school year 2016/2017. This is part of the current collective bargaining agreement, which is still under negotiation. Members also agreed that the Union must pursue any legal means to pursue the repayment of loans in default under the B.N.T.U. loan scheme. Voters declined to approve a stipend from the B.N.T.U.’s funds for local branch presidents, secretaries and treasurers despite arguments that these elected members are required to take out of their pockets to conduct many of their responsibilities for the B.N.T.U. A five dollar increase proposed for monthly union fees was also rejected by membership. Finally, it was resolved that the next annual convention be held in Dangriga, hosted by the Stann Creek Branch, with a tentative date of April third, 2018.