Nine Unions, One Message: Respect Our Voice

It was a powerful show of unity today in Belize City, as the National Trade Union Congress of Belize brought together a coalition of voices not seen in years. At least nine unions packed the room, and seven took the mic, each one laying out the challenges their members face, from stevedores and university staff to teachers and public servants. But before the individual concerns were aired, NTUCB President Ella Waight set the tone, delivering a strong message to the Briceño Administration: stop the attacks on union leaders. It was a press conference that made it clear—Belize’s unions are standing together, and they’re ready to be heard.

 

Ella Waight, President, NTUCB

“ The government of Belize must immediately cease the politicization of actions taken by union leaders and put an end to the personal attacks on their integrity. Union leaders are elected representatives of working people, not political pawns.  The attempt to undermine their character for political gain not only weakens the democratic voice of workers. But also erodes public trust in fair labor practices. This pattern of scapegoating is a dangerous distraction from the real issues facing our workforce and our workers, and an attempt to put an afront to the principles of justice, dignity, and collective bargaining. Responsible leadership demands respectful dialogue, not character assassination. If this, if this does not stop immediately, NUCB will be submitting a case to the ILO Standards Application Committee that is enough.”