The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has issued a strong public statement condemning what it describes as “acts of union busting, intimidation, and targeted campaigns” against union leaders and members.
According to the NTUCB, these actions are a direct assault on workers’ constitutional rights, particularly the right to freedom of association, and undermine the democratic values that uphold labour justice in Belize.
“The right to unionise is protected under the Constitution of Belize and affirmed by our national labour laws,” the NTUCB pointed out.
It added that union representatives are legally entitled to “speak, organise, and advocate on behalf of their members without fear of reprisal.”
The NTUCB also warned that “any form of coercion, intimidation, or punitive action taken against union leaders constitutes union busting and will be met with resistance.”
The union umbrella body called for an immediate end to all activities that could be interpreted as anti-unionism and reaffirmed its “full and unwavering support” for all affiliate unions and their leadership.