BTL Cuts Out the Middleman, Offers Severance Directly to Worker

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) announced today that it will pay severance to all “qualifying” former employees, including those “outside the six-year limitation period”.

Speaking at a press conference, BTL’s legal counsel, Kileru Awich, said, “BTL continues to act in good faith and in accordance with the law, with full respect for the rule of law.” He added that while some claims are limited by a six-year statutory period, the company has chosen to extend payments voluntarily to former employees who fall outside that window.

“Despite BTL’s best efforts, all negotiations with the Belize Communication Workers for Justice have broken down,” Awich noted, confirming the company would proceed with payments regardless of the stalled discussions.

Explaining why the talks fell apart, Awich said, “The negotiations broke down in relation to discussions regarding interest. BTL, in good faith, improved its proposals, but those improvements were not good enough for BCWJ and they were not willing to meet us in the middle.”

BCWJ had been holding protests outside BTL’s headquarters demanding severance payments and is expected to hold another protest in the coming days due to the stalled discussions. The union had also requested a direct meeting with the board of directors. BTL, however, says there is no need. 

“My office got a call from one of the persons who was being represented by BCWJ saying, ‘I am willing to accept my severance pay and whatever BTL is offering as interest. You’re dealing with real people who are waiting for their money,” Awich said. He added, “They shouldn’t be delayed because one group or section of that group of former BTL employees does not want to proceed towards receiving payment.”

Under section 183 of the Labour Act, qualifying employees include those who completed at least five continuous years and were terminated without cause. For gratuity equal to severance pay, employees who completed ten years and resigned also qualify.

Awich stated, “This is in no way any admission of liability by BTL. BTL is not admitting any liability whatsoever, but BTL has made these commitments.”

BTL is currently processing over 500 requests from former employees.