Unions Push Back on BTL-Speednet Merger

Concerns over the proposed consolidation of Belize Telemedia Limited and Speednet are intensifying, as trade unions across the country hold critical consultations today, talks that are expected to culminate tonight with a meeting of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. The consolidation would see BTL acquire Speednet, raising questions among unions about job security, workers’ rights, and the long-term structure of the telecommunications sector. Those concerns have prompted urgent discussions within the labour movement. We are reliably informed that the NTUCB meeting was initially scheduled for last night via Zoom but was postponed, allowing member unions additional time to consult internally. That extra day enabled the Belize Communications Workers Union to meet directly with BTL’s management team earlier today to discuss what the proposed acquisition could mean for BTL employees. That meeting lasted most of the day and late this afternoon News Five was informed that the BCWU will withhold any public comment until after tonight’s NTUCB meeting. Meanwhile, one NTUCB member told News Five that the four social partner senators are expected to participate in tonight’s discussions. According to that source, tensions remain high, with labour leaders signaling they are prepared to escalate their response if concerns are not adequately addressed. News Five will be closely monitoring the outcome of tonight’s meeting and will bring you details from inside the discussions in Friday’s newscast.