NTUCB Demands Pause on Telecom Merger

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has voted against the proposed acquisition of Speednet (SMART) by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), citing concerns about transparency, public risk, and the potential return to monopoly conditions in the telecommunications sector.

Speaking with News Five, NTUCB President Ella Waight explained that the decision was not rushed but came after weeks of talks and careful review. “It wasn’t just overnight,” Waight said. “NTUCB has been doing consultations with stakeholders such as the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), social partners, the opposition, the media…”

She said the information gathered was shared with the NTUCB’s General Council, made up of delegates from 11 unions. That process ended with a meeting on Saturday, where members discussed the issue and then voted. Waight explained that the “no” vote was based on several concerns, including the impact on Social Security investments, workers, taxpayers, and the wider public.

“The no was based on all the information we gathered, concerning social security, the risk of our dividends at Social Security Board, where we have 33% ownership at BTL. How the monopoly and acquisition would affect customers of BTL and SMART, taxpayers and, of course, workers of Belize,” she said.

She also pointed to the reported $80 million price tag as troubling. ‘That is not easy to swallow, especially when there are still so many unanswered questions,’ Waight said.

Although the NTUCB is firm in its current position, Waight noted that the union is open to reconsidering if more information is provided. “We’re not saying no forever; we’re saying no for now. Let us get the information that we need, consult with the public, consult with citizens.”

Waight also criticised what she described as a rushed process. “This train is moving too fast. The rush. Slow down. Provide the opportunity for the public to get the information.”

The union argues that the process has been handled without transparency. The valuation of SMART was done by a firm connected to BTL’s board and paid for by BTL itself, which they say raises questions of fairness. NTUCB insists that an independent, accredited company should carry out a proper valuation that considers not only financial assets but also the value of SMART’s customers.

The NTUCB also warns the deal could lead to job losses and reduce competition. With BTL already the dominant provider, acquiring SMART could create a near monopoly. The union points to Belize’s Telecommunications Act, which prohibits mergers that reduce competition, and says no evidence has been presented to show the deal would benefit the public.