And the teacher's union didn't like to hear that one bit. Relations were already strained over the ongoing dispute about hardship allowances, and the union was on a hair's trigger to activate.
They did that today - and when the press walked into the Union conference - we saw them using those solidarity green t-shirts - an expression of militance - last seen in 2016 when they went on strike. By the end of the press conference, they were also singing their union song - which is like a battle cry. President Elena Smith expressed the union's anger towards Minister Faber:..
Hon. Elena Smith- President, BNTU
"We note that in the comments that the minister made he has been quite disrespectful of the BNTU and he continues to do so. We will not tolerate, as we have said before, the minister being so disrespectful, and his people under him, being disrespectful to the BNTU. He is the same person who wants to be the leader of this nation. You want to be the leader and you can't be honest? Who do you think will trust you? This minister needs to get his act together. Don't put things out there about the BNTU if you don't have the proper thing in writing. We have the black and white and we can show you that. Enough of writing press releases and enough of having these press conferences because it seems as though persons think that we are playing around. But if you can see us right now this is just the beginning of what is to come. So, if you want to know what will come we will let you know what will come."
Ruth Shoman- National Secretary, BNTU
"And so today we are announcing that on November 7th the BNTU will demonstrate once more the importance of unity, the importance of coming together for the benefit of those that are being treated unjust and unfairly. So, on November 7th the BNTU will gather in Belmopan to make their voices heard once more."
Hon. Elena Smith- President, BNTU
"And so, what you just heard was just the start of our actions; just the start. So, this is to show them that we will no longer tolerate their disrespect, we will no longer tolerate their union busting and we want to ensure that our members are heard so that we can get for our members what it is that they deserve."
Jules Vasquez- Reporter
"Explain to me, how far are you all prepared to go with this? We know that you have a national demonstration planned but are you all prepared to start talking about a strike?"
Hon. Elena Smith
"At this point in time, Jules, as we have said earlier, enough is enough. All our members have gotten enough. The demonstration is the first step and from there it can only get bigger. So, whatever comes after that we are prepared, we are ready. Aren't we?"
Everyone
"Yes!!"
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