Teachers Reject G.O.B.’s 3% Salary Adjustment Proposal

After weeks of negotiations and a government offer on the table, the Belize National Teachers Union has spoken—and the answer is a firm “no.” On Tuesday, two thousand teachers cast their votes on a proposed three percent salary adjustment. A resounding 75 percent rejected it. Now, with a 21-day strike countdown still ticking, the Government of Belize is back to square one. So, what happens next? News Five takes a closer look at the vote, the demands, and what this could mean for classrooms across the country.

 

Nadia Caliz, President, Belize National Teachers Union

“As you are aware, government offered us a three percent salary adjustment commencing first of October 2025. The BNTU Membership rejected that offer. One thousand five hundred and thirty-two members voted no, while four hundred and thirty-eight members voted yes to the three percent salary adjustment proposal. That is clearly stating the membership is saying no to the three percent salary adjustment proposed by the government. As it pertains to the reinstatement proposed by the government, the BNTU strongly believes like all the other unions that you have worked for that. That was taken away from you during the COVID era. Government used it as some kind of fiscal measures, ways of saving and trying to ensure they can afford to pay for whatever expenses they have at the time. But the reinstatement simply means that you deserve nothing but what is rightfully yours.”