But, the biggest debate in today's Senate meeting was the passage of the 2020 Labor Amendment Act. The government has implemented a change in the labour laws, which legally allows employers to reduce the wages of their employees. This is only allowed in instances where that employee's working hours are being cut short due to special circumstances, such as the ongoing, national State of Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secondly, it allows employers to place employees on a leave of absence from work without pay, again, in special circumstances like this pandemic. Lastly, the amendment provides for exemptions from the period of night rest. That last fix is for an is an issue that the Government and the Port of Belize encountered with the stevedores, during their protest, which was treated like a riot last month. In all instances, the employer and the employee must agree to these changes.
These particular amendments to the Labour Act were roundly criticized by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, and its affiliate members: the Christian Workers Union, the Public Service Union, and the Belize Communication Workers Union.
In their press release yesterday, the Christian Workers Union says the changes, quote, "pose significant threats to Belizean workers, especially non-unionized ones. Undoubtedly the COVID-19 Pandemic has been a major disruptor and game-changer; nevertheless, there is no need to abandon tripartite social dialogue and succumb to crass opportunism." End quote.
The Public Service also weighed in on the matter in their own press release saying, quote "We find that the Bill does not place employees on an equal footing although the word "agreement" is tossed around. The PSU, therefore, rejects the Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2020. We must reject and condemn the actions of Government since this Bill was never discussed with the social partners via the Labour Advisory Board." End quote.
And finally, in the chorus of condemnations, the Belize Communication Workers Union sent out a press release which says, quote, "During these challenging times, the Labour Laws of Belize should be amended so that it protects the right of the employees and not only the employers…to now extract rights from workers by way of this amendment to the Labour Law is repugnant." End quote.
During the debate, Labour Senator Elena Smith voiced the concern from her constituents that the amendment slants the balance of rights in favour of the employers, and against employees. After she was done, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte completely disagreed with the interpretation of the amendment by the unions:
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