KHMH Workers Union Must Issue 21 Says Notice Before Industrial Action

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union, or KHMHAWU, has announced it will begin industrial action tomorrow afternoon, citing a prolonged deadlock in pension negotiations with the Government of Belize. The union says it’s had enough. After months of stalled talks, KHMHAWU is launching what it calls a “phased and lawful” campaign to demand fairness and long-term security for its members. The action begins with peaceful workplace demonstrations, including staff wearing “Gimme Mi Pension” T-shirts as a show of unity. But this is just the beginning. The union has outlined a tiered plan that could escalate to a full strike if no progress is made. That includes a “go-slow” approach at work, increased media engagement, and a potential 21-day strike notice. In response, the Labor Department has reminded the union that under the Settlement of Disputes and Essential Services Act, any industrial action must first be reported to the Minister of Labor. Today, we spoke with Labor Commissioner Rissela Dominguez-Patt, who emphasized the importance of following the legal dispute resolution process.

 

Rissela Dominquez-Patt, Labour Commissioner

“One of the things they have to do before any trade dispute or strike is that they need to report the matter to the minister. Once they report this matter to the minister then in twenty-one days the minister would decide if it will take a mediation or based on the circumstances of the dispute whether the matter would be taken to the tribunal and thereafter whatever decision the tribunal makes, if the decision is taken to the tribunal then that decision is final. Any institution that falls under this act cannot just get up and say we are going to strike. The primary objective or goal of this legislation is to ensure that they are uninterrupted, they do not interrupt their services, because they provide critical service to the public. Any interruption can cause serious damage to the public. That is why these organizations are under this legislation.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Have you all received any letter or notice as is required by law?”

 

Rissela Dominquez-Patt

“That is what we are telling the union, we work very closely with employers and workers. We communicate with KHMHWA the union and KHMH. Earlier this month we brought them together for a different situation. We are constantly in communication with them. In terms of this grievance we have not received anything in writing or anything at all form any of the parties.”