GOB Rolls Out Protection Policy Amid PSU Concerns

The Government of Belize is taking a firm step toward safer public workplaces, rolling out a new Anti‑Sexual Harassment Policy aimed at giving employees clearer protections and stronger support. It’s a move many say is long overdue, setting out exactly what harassment looks like, how to report it, and what consequences offenders will face. But even as the policy is being welcomed for its intent, the Public Service Union is voicing concern. PSU First Vice President Anissa Perdomo says the union was never consulted, warning that without proper engagement, even the best‑designed protections may fall short of truly safeguarding workers.

 

Anissa Perdomo, First Vice President of the Public Service Union

“The PSU is a hundred percent in support of the kind of this bill, the anti-sexual harassment policy, I believe the areas where the PSU has seen that, where it’s going wrong or has gone wrong is in that it wasn’t consulted as it relates to the bill itself. And by extension to, there are certain things whereby we keep extending to the government that the, we are the bargaining agents for the workers of the government of Belize. So by extension, we should be consulted. But I wanted to make it clear that the PSU is a hundred and percent fully supported of the bill. I believe it’s a process on what went on. And I have to point out, some key areas as it relates to the Constitution Section one hundred six. Policies like these need to have consultation with who is the bargaining agent of the workers, which is PSU. I wanted to highlight it as well as the Trade Unions Act. It states clearly that we are the bargaining agent and when anything that affects the conditions of service and any disciplinary manner for public offices, the bargaining agent, which is PSU, should also have consultation.”

 

Britney Gordon

“What are some things that might be missing? Given that they did not consult with you guys, some areas where you could have built upon?”

 

Anissa Perdomo

“First of all, how effective is the policy? That is something that we would’ve wanted to see. How clear is in the enforcement of the bill itself? Is it aligned with what’s going on in, around the world right now? The conditions? We are at the height for women’s rights, so these are some of the things that we would’ve wanted to have a consultation on as it relates to the workers.”

 

PSU says the policy will only truly work when workers, through their union, are part of the decision‑making process.

 

Watch the full newscast here: