U.B.F.S.U Receives Union Certification!
Today, the University of Belize Faculty and Staff Union was officially certified as the Bargaining Agent for Full-time and Temporary Assignment of Faculty and Staff employed for two consecutive twelve-month contracts. The certification included a virtual segment where the Union representatives and UB management witnessed the signing at the Labour Office in Belmopan. A release issued this evening says that a survey shows that the Union represents two hundred and thirty seven employees. You’ll recall the U.B.F.S.U. was locked out of meetings led by President and Board of Trustees at University of Belize because they were not recognized as the bargaining agent for faculty staff without the certificate. We spoke with General Secretary of the U.B.F.S.U Dr. Christopher DeShield about the significance of this certification in their efforts moving forward as the UB tries to survive a financial crisis.
On the Phone: Dr. Christopher DeShield, General Secretary, U.B.F.S.U
“We’ve been engaging the management on this issue from before. The lack of the signed certificate was an issue that caused them to question the legitimacy of the union for representing those bargaining units for the faculty and staff and so now that we have the certificate, we feel that it is just a confirmation of that role that now we can take up.”
Andrea Polanco
“So, having this certification for sure helps with your endeavors moving forward with the university?”
Dr. Christopher DeShield
“Yes. So, now with the certificate we can focus on building the union; education; and helping to resolve some issues that will face us in the future on much more steady ground. Having possessing the certificate requires the body to engage us officially, fully and we have to make sure that engagement does happen.”
Theola Requeña represented the management of the University of Belize; Daniel Luna represented the National Trade Union Congress of Belize; Nikita Usher represented the Belize Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Anne Marie Thompson was in attendance as Labour Commissioner. Four members of the Tripartite Body participated virtually, as we all Steve Castillo who represented the Union.
