Grievance Mechanism for BNTU’s Industrial Action

If you’re wondering whether teachers need to give twenty-one days’ notice before going on strike—the answer is no. Labor Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Patt has clarified that the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act does not apply to the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU). That means teachers aren’t legally required to give advance notice under that specific law. However, that doesn’t mean they can strike without any rules. According to the Labor Commissioner, the BNTU must still follow the grievance procedure outlined in their collective bargaining agreement, a contract between the union and the government that sets out how disputes should be handled. So, while teachers have more flexibility than some essential service workers, they’re still expected to follow the proper steps before walking off the job.

 

Rissela Dominquez-Patt, Labour Commissioner

“The teachers as I mentioned are only fourteen, so they do not fall under this specific legislation. They fall under a different regulation, that is why they were able to do and are able to do what they are doing. So, they don’t fall under this legislation.”

 

Paul Lopez

“And they have free reign to engage in their demonstration, sickouts, during lunch time picketing, whatever actions they intend to do.”

 

Rissela Dominquez-Patt

“Like I said they would not fall under this legislation, so they don’t have to provide that twenty-one days’ notice so that there is intervention.”

 

Paul Lopez

“But they did, which is not necessary.”

 

Rissela Dominquez-Patt

“The unions normally like to act within the legislation. So, they like to respect what is there. I think that the unions, especially the teachers union, are trying to ensure they communicate what they intend to do, but definitely they don’t fall under this legislation.”