NTUCB Rallies Behind Unions: “Union Leaders Acting Transparently, Collectively and Strategically”

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) is turning up the heat on the Government of Belize, just one day after the Public Service Union (PSU) protested at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). In a press conference held this morning, the NTUCB reaffirmed its support for the PSU, the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU), and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers (APSSM), insisting that their calls for an 8.5% salary adjustment and minimum wage increase are being ignored.

NTUCB President Ella Waight firmly pointed out what she called political attempts to discredit union leaders.

“Union leaders are elected representatives of working people, not political pawns,” she said. “This pattern of scapegoating is a dangerous distraction from the real issues.”

Waight warned that if attacks on union leaders persist, the NTUCB will escalate the matter to the ILO’s Standards Application Committee. She said today’s briefing was intended to display union unity, counter government “propaganda,” and show that industrial action is grounded in fairness.

“Industrial action affects and ultimately benefits the wider public and reassures members and the public that union leadership is acting transparently, collectively and strategically,” Waight added.

The NTUCB, the umbrella organisation, made it clear that it is ready to act in coordination with the unions.