The Belize National Teacher’s Union held a press conference in
Belize City this afternoon to make public their ultimatum to government about
the collective bargaining agreement. BNTU President Jaime Panti says that government
has been dragging its feet on the agreement and the union has had enough. He
told us after the press conference that government has one week to act or else.
Jaime Panti, BNTU President
“Every three years our union meets with government to negotiate benefits
and salaries. We have submitted our collective agreement two years ago in 2008,
we resubmitted in August 2009, and we have had response from government but
they are empty responses, they are nothing concrete. So we are demanding an
answer, we need to get on the table and start negotiations. It is too long,
it is disrespectful as workers.”
Keith Swift,
“A demand, what if they don’t?”
Jaime Panti,
“If they don’t then we will do what is necessary.”
Keith Swift,
“When is the deadline?”
Jaime Panti,
“In a week.”
Keith Swift,
“So what is it, is government just ignoring your requests?”
Jaime Panti,
“Well they say they are examining the document but I don’t think
they need all this time examine the document. They have all the resources available
for them to have the all statistics they need. So we need to be on the table,
start negotiating. It is a process.”
Keith Swift,
“You believe there is some sinister motive behind it or is it just disrespect?”
Jaime Panti,
“I don’t want to speculate. I just want them to respond.”
Other topics addressed at the press conference included the Education
Act and Training Bill. The union restated its support in principle for the bill
and the establishment of the Teaching Services Commission. But according to
Panti, the bill requires some changes. One modification the union is requesting
is a voice in the selection of the Commission’s Chairman. Those suggestions
will be submitted in person at Monday’s House Committee hearing on the
proposed bill. We note that representatives from union branches across the country
were packed inside Belize Institute of Management’s conference room for
this afternoon’s press conference.
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