The countdown to industrial action is winding down, and BTL's union and management are meeting at this hour. The results of that meeting are not known, but with mediation from the Ministry of Labour, they are discussing grounds for a compromise. But, all things considered it seems unlikely that they will see that tonight.
According to a letter sent today from BTL boss Dean Boyce to the Minister of Labour, the union has no grounds to strike. Boyce argues that once the Minister intervenes in the dispute, as he has, workers are prohibited from striking. Boyce notes to the Minister that if a worker strikes in these circumstances, it is a crime. Boyce's letter ends cryptically, saying that he hopes the company will not have to take any steps to stop illegal actions by workers.
All that is on the table at the meeting right now, but what is on the boardroom table? Not much. It seems self declared Chairman in exile, Jeffrey Prosser will not fly into Belize for tomorrow's board meeting as promised. When we checked this evening at the Princess, he had a reservation, but hadn't checked in. Latest reports say he will have the meeting, but by teleconference.
