7 News Belize

National Transport Workers, Still Out In The Cold
posted (January 4, 2011)
On December 24th we had the feelgood story of the 85 workers for National Transport who did get paid just in time for Christmas. But many of the company's workers were left feeling bad, and even those who got a paycheck had no idea what was in store for them in the future.

Word from the receiver was that the bus service would resume operations and it was hoped that the employees would pick up where they left off - that should've happened, according to former operation manager Phillip Jones, before the start of the new year but it's already day four of 2011 and nothing has happened. So the workers were back in front of the labour office today asking for someone to intervene on their behalf.

Andrea Polanco Reporting
On Christmas Eve we showed you the cheques that 83 of the 275 National Transport Workers received for two weeks work but the story didn't end there. Today some of the employees were back again at the Labour Office expecting to hear some good news for the new year, but Former Operations Manager for the Company: Phillip Jones said that nothing has been worked out:

Phillip Jones: Former Operations Manager-NTSL
"I have mention to them that the agreement was and that the receiver Mr. Kevin Castillo on behalf of Belize Bank for the two weeks' pay was for workers only to receive two weeks pay due to the fact they will be resuming runs on the 28. Now the 28 has come and pass and we have not heard anything after all efforts to try to reach the receiver, the commissioner of labor and nothing has been resolve as yet."

But when we spoke with the Labour Commissioner Ivan Williams, on December 24th he told us that the problem with the payment for the workers of Bel-Bus and National Transport is the lack of records and discrepancies in employees' files. A problem that they've been tackling by piecing together information from different sources:

Ivan Williams: Labour Commissioner
"We've been trying to gather information from the bank for bank records, from Social Security; we've also been able to obtain information form workers. As a matter of fact there is an employee who provided with a database and the period of employment which was kept I understand separately and not on official part of the company records and so we were looking at all those documents, we were also able to look at a document which was presented to us at the time the receiver went in to clearly identify who were on the job or who they got contact with at some point in time during the day. But I say all of this to say that we have been unable to obtain the official documents which will clearly solve the issue which we have which is clearly identifies who the employees of these two companies are."

While that is the position of the Labour Department, Jones said he will set the record straight on that matter:

Phillip Jones: Former Operations Manager-NTSL
"Let me set the record straight with that. i had sit down with Ms. Lamb and Ms. Wagner directly, I have only met with the commissioner once because he is always in Belmopan or he is busy and we had submit everything to the labor department, we had presented payroll, we had presented all information on employees status, where they were working, who were with National, who were with Intransit and who were with Belbus, all that record was there given. Unfortunately almost half the workers have not been paid, myself with other management, I have given documents to show that my payroll was going through Belize Bank and I have presented statement as far back as January to the labor. I have show letters that I have receive from other company as acting as present operations manager then, all the document was given so I believe, I don't know what the agenda is but every information necessary for them to speed up the process was given by the accountant and the HR."

Andrea Polanco
"So you are saying there are no discrepancies with the records?"

Phillip Jones: Former Operations Manager-NTSL
"To my knowledge, everything that was ask and requested by the department of labor was submitted by the accountant and the then HR to them."

In a few days it's going to be a month since the employees haven't been working and although the process is slow and results are slow in coming, Jones said that they will remain strong and will follow through on what needs to be done:

Phillip Jones: Former Operations Manager-NTSL
"We are very steadfast and focus, if we need to come here every day until that meeting resume because we all have family, we need some closure and most of all we need money to sustain our self. It's sad that we have not seen any member of the public, the unions have step in or government have intervene to try to assist but I believe that we are strong, we are united and we will continue to fight and we will do everything necessary. I don't know about you guys but whatever it takes to do peacefully, we need to do that to ensure that everyone get their benefits and their pay, no one left out and if we have to go in front of Belize Bank we will do it peacefully, we will get the permits and we will do so gentlemen. Are you with me, I don't know how you stand, but this is the position, we have to make noise and that's the only way things get done in Belize."

Andrea Polanco
"So at this time the employees will just sit and wait until the next meeting?"

Phillip Jones: Former Operations Manager-NTSL
"Well to be honest I think we have sit and wait a long time, it's time for us to get up and fight peacefully. I personally, its six weeks for me now not getting any pay or anything and it's very difficult, we are in a very challenging time and we have bank commitment, we have loan, we have school resuming and many of the school - if you don't pay your schooling fees in advance you won't be allowed to go in and its a very sad and unfortunate situation. Right now we have nothing to lose and all we got right now in us is a lot of fight."

But even with this fight in them as these employees will tell you, the reality is that they aren't exactly sure where to go and what else to do because bills are piling up, there is no money and it's hard on them:

Tyrone Gillett, Employee
"To me I don't have any idea what they will do yet but the only point is on my behalf we need the money, we need to pay off our bills and the next part - we need our job. We are more beneficial with a job, we need for them to start as quick as possible because the "grass di grow and the horse di starve."

Modesto Lizaragga, Employee
"It's affecting us a lot because well in my position I have three kids going to high school, one in primary school and I am also paying the bank, so you could imagine my expenses and that is not including the household things."

Hector McKoy: Employee
"Well I don't have anything to do. I have to stay at home and wait until I get a job, I mean it's not like I am not looking for a job, but job is hard to find right now, it's not anything easy. All we are asking the receiver is to be honest with us, if they will open back then tell us but if they will not open back then let us decide what we will do from there but I think what they are doing is try to discourage us, they want most of us to find a job elsewhere so that they don't have to pay off most of the people here. I think that is what they are doing but we will hang in here and get what we deserve."

While some of the workers have been able to seek part-time jobs around, others will tell you that they are depending on families and some simply can't find jobs:

Tyrone Gillett, Employee
"To the understanding to what the labor department told us on the 24 December, 2010, they told us that we are not fired, they just gave us a stipend of money for two weeks due to the holiday that was coming and they say they will proceed on the 2 of January 2011, today is the 4th right. They say the receivership will get back to them because they probably will consider to continue the run, so that's what we are waiting for. So if we go and look for a job, the next thing they told us is to explain to the person who you are working for the situation you are in that if they call you back to come work that's is ok but if you don't come back your benefit will be lost. It's very hard to go look for a job, then you left that job, you will make your bed hard. Up to now going for six weeks, I am still waiting. For all my life its bus that I drive, you just can't out there and find a job. Job out there is very hard to find."

Andrea Polanco
"So right now you are home doing nothing, just waiting?"

Modesto Lizaragga, Employee
"Yeah, some days I had a two day job with Leo, I drive for tourism so that's all I have been doing since then."

Andrea Polanco
"So how are you surviving right now Mr. McKoy?"

Hector McKoy, Employee
"Well to be honest with you, I won't lie to you, my mother-in-law has a little business and its that is helping us right now. But I can't sit down and lean on them, so it's rough."

For now, they've been told that a meeting will be held with the Labour Department and The Receivers sometime this week when a definitive answer is expected about the position of the workers.

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