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The outspoken and always impassioned stevedore Raymond Rivers explained their hardline position today: Raymond Rivers - Stevedore
"Now, they are noticing that there is only one sugar boat that is left after this. So they are dragging their feet to have that finished, and when it is finished, they won't sign any agreement with us. Yesterday, my members said that they wanted this thing signed as quickly as possible, so yesterday, we got documents and authority from the union for a go-slow, and we went on a go-slow. When we did that, PBL saidm 'Shut down the sugar boat.' That's because they don't like the amount of work they're getting off the go-slow. So this is where we are today. We are not working today, and now, the president is having a meeting with BSI. You know that 200,000+ tonnes of sugar is being pumped out next year, and stevedores want to know what is in that for us. We are tired of working and not getting anything. If Port signs quick, this boat can be finished in 3-4 days, but if they take long, it's go-slow 'til we dead'. They are playing their game; well, we are playing our game, but it will come down to money forcing them to sign. We are telling them that they have to sign. We are not asking you if you want to sign; we are telling you that you have to sign. So, it's how you all want it. The Prime Minister hasn't put his hand in this, but PM, you have to come. Help us out because all of these men voted UDP. Use your power and help."

Reporter
"If you all don't get the collective agreement signed, and what you're asking for met, what are the possible consequences next."

Raymond Rivers
"Well, the consequences will be that we'll have to go bigger and shut down the container. We are telling Port of Belize, Mr. Tux Vasquez, Ms. Francine, and that whole crew in there, step up and come to plate because we are not playing around anymore. All of our members' eyes are open. And I want black people throughout Belize step up and start stand up for your own rights because we are becoming the minority in this country."

After that interview this morning - all sides - including the labour commissioner - went into a meeting at the Port of Belize.

They came out at 5:00 pm - and the stevedores were none too happy with what they were hearing from their union leaders and the labour commissioner.

When we got there, the often agitated workers were in an uproar - calling their union leaders sellouts.

They calmed down for our interview though in which President Gonzalez supported the stevedores hardline stand:

Antonio Gonzalez - President, CWU
"Well, Jules, to tell you the truth, nothing has been finalized at this stage, alright, because we tried to reach some conclusion and agreement with the Port, in the presence of the Commissioner, and nothing has been resolved. Mr. Tux Vasquez has been absent over the period of time, since we started negotiations. Every time, Mr. Vasquez can't attend the meetings. Today, Mr. Vasquez is not here. So, we cannot make any final decision."

Jules Vasquez
"What will happen? What do you recommend the workers should do in regards to the go-slow they're on?"

Antonio Gonzalez
"Right now, there is no go slow; right now there's a stoppage. So, based on information that we discussed today, it was through BSI and Port, which they shut down the ship on Tuesday. This is very true, but Jules, the problem is here. And I agree with all these stevedores out here. I agree that you all have been abused and frustrated over the time. We want to commence negotiations either Friday, or the latest time on Monday."

Jules Vasquez
"In that time though, you will not work on the sugar ship that's there."

Antonio Gonzalez
"Our stevedores have decided - and we respect their decision - that they will not go back to work. We applaud the position taken by the stevedores to stand firm. They are a strong force, and I believe that with their support, we can move the people in there."

James McFoy - General Secretary, CWU
"The stevedores are losing, but they will lose more. So, I think that it's time that we be sensible, and stop this foolishness of dodging and wanting to have their own way. It's their attitude and behavior is that thing that gets to me."

Jules Vasquez
"The Christian Worker's Union leadership is saying, 'We want to have meetings immediately, by Friday or Monday. And we want the CEO to there.' Do you support that?"

Ivan Williams - Labour Commissioner
"Jules, we have already gone through a series of discussions, and like I said, I am not privy to disclose what those discussions were. The union asked me to come out here to listen to some of the concerns. I was not able to get all the concerns, so I can't say more than that, Jules. I am prepared at any stage to continue to be a 3rd party, trying to help the parties, but that has to be done in a rational way, where we sit down at a table and discuss, not in this kind of atmosphere."

Jules Vasquez
"But, we have a problem because there is a go-slow. Now, there is a work stoppage. How will that resolved. How will you use your office to resolve that?"

Ivan Williams
"Well, Jules, there is a trade dispute, meaning that there is a difference between the union and the management over certain issues. The best way to resolve that is to go the table, sit down, and work it out, to which we are offering our services."

Anthonio Gonzalez
"We want to continue the negotiations. We want to finalize this, and we want to move on. Let's move on, man."

According to the union, the stevedores position is that they are prepared to go back to work once negotiations resume in earnest. They claim they met earlier this week and the Port CEO Tux Vasquez was not there.

The sugar ship is presently loaded with two thousand tones and and it carries nine thousand tonnes.