Will PM Briceño Agree to Regular Union Meetings?

The President of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Ella Waight, is pushing for more direct talks with the government. She’s calling for quarterly meetings with Prime Minister John Briceño and his team, saying consistent dialogue is needed to make sure public funds are being used wisely and effectively. But the big question tonight, will the Briceño administration agree to those regular sit‑downs with the country’s largest umbrella union?

 

Ella Waight, President, NTUCB

“We had suggested this from the get go when we first met with him November 2024 that we want to have quarterly meetings. This allows for these conversations, and clarification of national issues with workers and the government. It will avoid having disruption with government service, with employers and employees, because we get an understanding. We are welcomed to sit around the table. We want to be partners with government. We need them and they need us to make sure this country is a very productive country. We have limited resources. We have to spend these resources wisely. When workers say we want a salary adjustment, increase in paternity and maternity leave, it has to come from these limited resources. So, the government has to spend the limited resources efficiently and effectively so that when we ask for these things it can be important for us. That is why it is important for citizens to keep up with national issues and take part. That is why for us, quarterly meetings with the prime minister and his team will ensure this happens.”