The Supreme Court ordered it yesterday and Christine Perriot went back to work at the Albert Cattouse Building on Regent Street this morning. She showed up to work at eight on the dot and walked right in without being stopped by security. So how did her first day of work since February 27th go? She told us after leaving this evening.
Christine Perriot, Back At BTL
"It was just as I expected it would have been. The staff, I was excited the way how they welcomed me back and HR did have the meeting, same way I expected. HR could not answer any questions, they just came and put forward what they had to put forward and exit and my manager is the same way so it is exactly how I expected it. In the first few days I don't really expect that they will be much attacks. I more expect it more in detail in the following weeks to come."
Jules Vasquez,
So but did you work today?
Christine Perriot,
"Yes I did."
Jules Vasquez,
As an internet technician?
Christine Perriot,
"Yes I did. I went up to Ladyville, I was across at ETC - I was all over the place. That's what they are doing, sending me away; all over the place."
Jules Vasquez,
Do you think this is a deliberate strategy?
Christine Perriot,
"Oh yes, it is and it is, like I say, what I expected. They are going to check the time I come in, they are going to check what I am wearing, they are going to check how long I am on the phone, how long I go in the bathroom, if they give me a task how long I take, they will give me unexpected dates. I expect all that but when it comes to work, I could handle the work."
Jules Vasquez,
So you are prepared to be an exemplary employee of the new company?
Christine Perriot,
"Yeah, putting it that way - that's a good way to put it, yes."
Jules Vasquez,
Do you feel they are trying to build up a case to eventually fire you?
Christine Perriot,
"Yeah, I think so. They tried to do it before, I don't see why they won't do it now, especially now that I have, you could say, make them eat their words. They pledged that I would never step foot back in BTL, I have stepped foot back in BTL. They pledged that no matter what, I will never ever go back to BTL and I am back at BTL."
Jules Vasquez,
You're a labor leader and someone's job is in jeopardy because you had to get a job.
Christine Perriot,
"I noticed that and I was kind of concerned because BTL didn't have to do that. The individual that they put on special paid leave's job is still there where it was before. As a matter of fact they left it open until this whole case is through."
Jules Vasquez,
So you're saying that person could have returned to that post?
Christine Perriot,
"Yes. As a matter of fact in court they said that if I go back they would put him back into his job. So how come he is not back into his job. They didn't have to do what they did. Like the judge said, they put their own conditions, they put their own terms."
Jules Vasquez,
Well it has to be an embarrassment for you. You are a labor leader and somebody could lose their job because you have to get a job.
Christine Perriot,
"It is not embarrassing to me. It is not an embarrassment to me or the union because the company does not have to do it. It is not like they were forced to. They made that decision. I just would like to say though that they say we don't have a trust. I personally don't have any hard feelings with them.
I know that, and I am going to extend this message, that I know Ashcroft is here, he will be listening, and he will be watching. I am extending this to him and I'm saying I'll forgive him for what he has done to me. I have no hard feelings and if he is prepared to make amends feel free. He knows my number. And if he wants me to call him, he has given it to me before, so he just has to say so. I don't see any hard feelings about it."
Ashcroft has been making his own case to the Belize Business community and we'll tell you about that later on. As for Perriot, BTL has said that it will appeal the order of the Supreme Court and is confident that eventually its right to fire an employee who it says is undermining management will be upheld.
