The waterfront workers aren't the political force they were at the birth of the nationalist movement in the 50's, but they still have clout. And today one of their members came to us to say that their union, the Christian Workers isn't adequately representing their interests to the Port Of Belize.
Raymond Rivers, the Vice President of the waterfront workers association told us that a new proposal from the port seeks to take union workers out of the work gangs and he's not going to stand for it - even if it means calling out his own union's leadership:…
Raymond Rivers, VP Waterfront Workers Association
"Well firstly Jules we recognize that union busting is happening within the union and with port because we have a paper here - a proposal from the port but none of this is saying that they want a union person and at no time port suppose to say that they don't want any union person on their work force because we need him."
Jules Vasquez
"But then why are you bringing this matter to the media. This is a matter for the Christian Workers Union to take up with the port of Belize."
Raymond Rivers, VP Waterfront Workers Association
"Yes because Mr. Gonzales is dragging his feet every day. Every day we go to this man and this man never send letters to port so port don't recognize him as anything. The union dues - port has stop sending to him and he still does not send back a letter stating that they need their union dues so that the union can stay strong. Enough is enough, because you see what happen to Gaddafi in his region because he is taking advantage of people - uprising happen and Mr. CWU President please stop dragging your foot. This is a calculated plot just to make sure the shipman and the water front association live like dogs. Enough is enough, the only thing that is left now is for us to get out there and to lock off the boats, but we don't want that. I am like Mr. Ghandi - peaceful talking, but I am for the poor people too, really and truly I am for the poor and I get enough."
President of the Union Antonio Gonzalez today told us that to say the union is not addressing the issues is very untrue.
He told us that the industrial climate between the Port and the Union has not been good because of the absence of a functioning collective bargaining agreement.
He said Rivers is part of a committee assembled to address issues with the Port and he should put his energies towards solving issues on that front.
As regards the dues not deducted form the barge workers, he has asked the waterfront workers to provide evidence of this so that the union can follow up on it.
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