Minister Says, Government Proposal Totals 14% Salary Adjustments Over 3 Years

The future of the government’s proposal remains uncertain as the joint unions have yet to decide on its acceptance. The Belize National Teachers Union has already issued a 21-day strike notice, and if its members vote against the proposal, industrial action will follow. Meanwhile, the proposal—approved by Cabinet—has sparked debate during the 2025 budget discussions. Minister of Public Service Henry Charles Usher weighed in, highlighting that teachers and public servants are set to receive a 14% salary increase spread over the next three years.

 

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service

“Salary adjustment, in reference to the salary adjustment the government is proposing a three percent salary adjustment in 2025 and an additional increment at the start of fiscal year 2026/2027 to make up for the frozen increments in 2021. In addition, the remaining five point five percent and the second frozen increment will be adjusted in a maximum three-year period. Mr. Speaker, each increment represents two point five to three percent of an adjustment. So the actual figure is not eight point five percent, but over three years will equal to fourteen percent in this three-year period.”