PSU Dean Flowers: “There’s a Strong Possibility that all 3 Unions will Align”

Over 75% of members of the Public Service Union (PSU) have voted to accept the Government of Belize’s latest salary and increment proposal. While the vote signals a willingness to move forward, PSU President Dean Flowers says it’s only the start of what could be a longer fight for transparency and accountability.

Flowers told News 5 that the process was “a rather straightforward one,” and that the vote was necessary because “today would have been the expiration of the 21-days notice of a trade dispute.”

He said the outcome likely reflects that of its sister unions. “I certainly did not anticipate a difference in the outcome of the vote between the APSSM and PSU, given the relationship between those two entities,” he added.

As for the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), Flowers stated that their constitution requires over 50% participation for a decision.

“All indications are that there’s a strong possibility that all three unions will align in this matter,” Flowers added, referring to the BNTU’s pending decision.

Flowers also raised concern over what he calls a “clear conflict of interest” in the arbitration process, should a tribunal be needed.

“The minister of labour is a member of Cabinet; therefore, he is part of the decision-making… It is impossible for the minister to divorce himself from that collective responsibility in Cabinet,” Flowers stated. “The law provides for the minister to convene a tribunal to make a fair determination… It would put, no doubt, even the best attempt to put in place an impartial tribunal, which we believe doesn’t exist, especially when they are politically appointed.

The PSU now shifts its focus to pension reform and good governance.