Government Pitches Proposal to Unions, Citing Economic Progress

Last week, we reported that the Government’s Joint Negotiation Team had officially sent its proposal to the unions, following Cabinet’s green light. Today, that proposal took center stage in the House of Representatives. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, who leads the talks on behalf of the government, presented the details during the House Sitting. He highlighted key points from the proposal, using them to support his argument that the Briceño administration has not only turned the economy around—but is continuing to strengthen it. The proposal is now in the hands of the Joint Union Negotiation Team, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal moment in government-union relations.

 

Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister

“Cabinet affirmed its commitment to an increase of six dollars to the minimum wage in line with Plan Belize. Such an increase to come after the requisite engagement and consultation with all relevant stakeholders. On the matter of request of salary adjustment of eight and a half and two frozen increments, Cabinet has improved a three percent salary increase starting October 2025 and an additional increment at the start of fiscal year 2026/2027. So in effect a double increment will be issued then. Cabinet also authorized our negotiating team to reach an agreement with JUNT on the remaining five and a half percent increase and the additional increments, subject to mutual agreements relating to pensions reform and cost saving measures. Cabinet also instructed the Attorney General to give legal effect to government’s assumptions of a hundred percent of gratuity and pension for all teachers in grant aided institutions, effective September 2024. Previously government was only responsible for seventy percent, but because the churches was contributing their thirty percent and retired teachers were not receiving their due, government had to step in.”