Talks between the Government of Belize and the National Trade Union Congress broke down this evening at 5:00 pm. 7NEWS has received credible reports that fundamental differences arose over the proposed composition of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the DFC. Will the break down mean a re-activation of the strike? That's what Keith Swift went to the Trade Union Congress to find out. He's just back with this interview from Trade Union Council Member, Zenaida Moya.
Zenaida Moya, NTUCB
"Right now we broke for an hour to discuss on two matters and we are supposed to resume talks in about an hour."
Keith Swift,
Should we be concerned by this latest development?
Zenaida Moya,
"Well we are hoping that everything will go as planned. At this moment I cannot say whether people should be encouraged or be concerned. We are hoping that we will resume talks and everything will go as we are hoping that it should go."
Keith Swift,
So did the talks break down?
Zenaida Moya,
"Talks had broken but we were called back to the table and that is what we will be doing. Of course we will have to consult with all the members and with our legal and financial team and we will be resuming talks."
Keith Swift,
Are we still stuck on the issue of taxes?
Zenaida Moya,
"Currently there is two issues Keith, not necessarily taxes. There is two specific issues."
Keith Swift,
And last night you expressed hope of a resolution by Friday. Is that still possible?
Zenaida Moya,
"Well currently we were supposed to try and meet by 7 o'clock, at least that is what we had informed, and if those issues are dealt with then we definitely can take that back to our people. If those two issues are not dealt with favorably then we will have to make decisions."
As she noted talks resume this evening. We note that government's lead negotiator Assad Shoman is committed to head to Guatemala for talks this weekend. Moya says she will not allow the unions to be rushed by his commitment.
