Public Service Union Marks 104 Years with Renewed Call for Unity

The Public Service Union is marking a major milestone: one hundred and four years of standing up for Belize’s public officers. Since 1922, the PSU has played a central role in defending workers’ rights and pushing for better conditions across the public service. But as the union celebrates its long history, it is also looking at the challenges facing public officers today, including the SARA transition, concerns over terminal workers, and employee benefits. PSU President Dean Flowers says the union remains focused on solidarity and advocacy as it prepares for its Annual General Meeting under the theme, “One Vision, One Voice, One Union: PSU, One Hundred Four Years Strong.”

 

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“The public service union for one hundred four years has been playing a significant role in shaping the Belizean society and the nation. And I’m proud to be the current president to oversee the celebrations of our one hundred and fourth annual general meeting which comes up on the thirteenth and fourteenth of August. Where this will be the first year that we attempt to hold an AGM during the week with the hope that more members will come out and that more members will be sensitized and informed about the work that we’re doing, and importance for them to remain informed going forward, and for them to understand the true meaning of trade unionism. Solidarity is not shouting the word. Solidarity is hitting the ground. Solidarity is standing shoulder to shoulder when we need to do that on the pavement. And so this year I can also say that we’re celebrating under the theme: One vision, one voice, one union. PSU, one hundred and four years strong. We will be having elections. Unfortunately for the government, my post is not up for elections, so they’ll have to contend with me for another year, congratulations, cabinet. But the post of first vice president, the post of assistant general secretary, the post of national treasurer, two posts for counselors and three posts for trustees will be up for elections. And so nominations, the call for nominations is currently out, and I want to encourage those public service union members who understand, understand how the organization functions and who are in fact true trade unionists to offer themselves.”

 

Flowers noted that members interested in leadership roles should take advantage of the union’s year-round training opportunities and hopes for strong participation at the one hundred and fourth AGM.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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