Will Fuel Prices Prompt a Bus Operator’s Strike?

This week some bus operators began contemplating going on strike after their demands for an increase in bus fares were not met with an immediate approval by the Minister of Transport. The bus operators contend that the constant increase in fuel costs has made the business unprofitable and they are being forced to raise ticket prices. The bus operators’ representative, Andy Shaw, met with Minister of Transport, Rodwell Ferguson. Marion Ali reports.

Andy Shaw

Voice of: Andy Shaw, President, Belizean Bus Association

“The operators are a bit fatigued and tired of actually living on promises. It is something that we have been clamoring for years and from government to government and to no avail and we are not really getting anywhere.”

Marion Ali, Reporting

When the bus operators requested a meeting with the Minister of Transport on Tuesday, he agreed. Ferguson told us today, however, that while he understands their plight, the decision to offer some kind of relief is not entirely in his hands.

Rodwell Ferguson

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport

“I understand their plight. The price of fuel keeps rising not only in Belize but across the world. And they are saying now that they want an increase in rates. But only the Government of Belize can set the rates because it’s regulated, and I explained to them that I as the Minister I’m a member Cabinet but I’m not the Cabinet. And this issue has to go to Cabinet.”

But the Cabinet will not meet until March twenty-second since next Tuesday is the presentation of the Budget. That break should give the bus operators sufficient time to come up with a proposal.

Rodwell Ferguson

“I asked them to make their proposals and then whatever the make I will take to Cabinet and get Cabinet’s advice. So it is in their ball court right now to send me a Cabinet paper. So I’m waiting on them.”

Marion Ali

“You were asked to come up with a proposal to take to Cabinet?”

Voice of: Andy Shaw

“Right. Well as it is, they did a Cabinet paper to take up to Cabinet to see how they could assess our demands.”

Marion Ali

“What’s the next step for you guys?”

Voice of: Andy Shaw

“Well as I said, my operators intend on going on a strike but we have nothing set as yet and that information will not be given out at this present moment.”

President of the Belizean Bus Association, Andy Shaw said the bus operators are also cognizant that the war between Russia and Ukraine could make the fuel prices even more unstable in the coming weeks.

Marion Ali reporting for News Five.