NTUCB Calls on SSB to Oppose BTL–Smart Acquisition

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has come out strongly against Belize Telemedia Limited’s (BTL) proposed acquisition of Speednet (Smart), calling the move “hasty and ill-advised” and warning that workers’ contributions are being put at risk.

In a statement issued Monday, the NTUCB said the Social Security Board’s (SSB) silence on the matter is “unacceptable and acutely concerning” given its responsibility to safeguard workers’ funds. “Workers’ money is not a bargaining chip, nor is it a private investment fund for risky deals,” the release declared.

The NTUCB said that while it is not opposed to investments that strengthen the SSB’s financial position, it insists that due diligence and meaningful consultation must come first. “Any entity that carelessly assigns workers’ contributions or threatens the economic stability of this country will be held fully accountable,” the union warned.

The union also criticised BTL for failing to deliver transparency and accountability in the proposed deal and went on to demand that SSB “immediately take a public and principled stand and to oppose the acquisition until due diligence is completed.”

To press its demands, NTUCB informed News Five that they will apply for a permit to stage a protest in front of the SSB headquarters in Belize City on Wednesday at 11 a.m.