Are Communication Workers’ Jobs Safe?

But will everyone really benefit from this merger, especially workers? That’s the question many employees at BTL and Speednet are asking as consolidation talks move forward. While fears of layoffs are growing, BTL’s Chief Financial Officer says no redundancies are planned at this stage. Instead, he points to retraining, new technology and long‑term growth, insisting the merger is about strengthening the company, not cutting jobs. CFO Ian Cleverly responds to concerns about workers, prices and what the future could look like.

 

Ian Cleverly, Chief Financial Officer, Belize Telemedia Limited

“We are committed to price capping plans of freezing plans for the 36 months. We’re also looking at social plans and social tariffs. We’re also looking at tariffs and stuff with vulnerable customers, the elderly as part of this process, we are opening bit smart up to value rich added bundles from BTL. So the plan is that prices will be managed within bundle forms, so values get more maybe for the same price or less.”

 

Shane Williams

“And in terms of jobs and job security. I know people are concerned about that. Smart employees, BTL employees. How will that work in terms of this merger?”

 

Ian Cleverly

“We recognize the talents on Speednet side and also on the BTL side. We are not planning at this point any redundancies. We recognize the talent on both sides of companies. We want to bring those talents into BTL. We want to learn, we want to develop that talent, but also we want to have a company that is efficient, resources utilized efficiently. There’s lots of new technology coming along. We have our Telco to TechCo strategy where we need new skills, new expertise. So the plan is with the increased cash flows and increased revenues this transaction brings is for us to train those employees. Give them the skills, the expertise to empower them to grow and grow the overall economy of Belize.”

 

So, while fears of job cuts and higher prices are top of mind for workers, BTL’s CFO insists the merger is about retraining, price freezes, and long‑term growth, not layoffs.