Unions Want Their Ten Percent Back

Francis Fonseca

On Wednesday the Government of Belize met with social partners to review the country’s economic performance.  The Joint Union Negotiating Team has requested a separate meeting and reports are that the Joint Unions are saying it’s time for their members to get back that ten percent that was cut at the onset of the 2021/2022 fiscal year.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education

“First of all, the Government has always been, I think the Prime Minster made it clear, we are absolutely committed to doing that. But, that is why it is important to have this social partnership committee and also to engage with the joint unions. What we presented yesterday was a six months report that was for the first six months of the fiscal year. But, that is not a reflection of what is yet to come over the next six months. As you know, inflation is high. There is many other factors. So, we presented a comprehensive report to them yesterday, a very realistic report. Although you are right n saying the economic figures are looking very good, there is a word of caution because there is many other factors. We have to continue to look at inflation being one, and right now we have a closed economy. The borders were closed.  So that gives you a sort of false picture as to where economic growth and development is.”