On Friday the National Trade Union Congress gave government a deadline: reinstate Christine Perriot by noon on Monday or else. The Ministry of Labour responded in time, and promised to investigate her dismissal. But that was not enough, and today the union umbrella organization announced its angry response. We attended the early afternoon pres conference - and here's what the union had to say.
Jules Vasquez Reporting,
In the open downstairs area of the Teacher's Union headquarters, union heads, from the energy workers, the water service workers, the communication workers, the public service, and others that form the NTUCB gathered at the head table in their yellow t-shirts. The audience comprised a vocal group of teachers there to cheer on NTUCB President Rene Gomez read a list of demands.
Rene Gomez, NTUCB President
"As a result of our deadline that was not met by Monday midday, we are here today. The NTUCB supports the Minister's directive for a thorough investigation of Mrs. Perriot's termination. But BTL must be investigated first as they initiated the action, thus Sister Christine does not have the answers. The NTUCB believes that Sister Perriot's case and that of other three terminated workers from BTL are not separate issues and we reiterate our demand for the immediate reinstatement of all four workers. The NTUCB calls on the government of Belize to enforce the ruling of the Supreme Court regarding BTL's ownership. The NTUCB has resolved that if these matters are not dealt with expeditiously, it will lead to strike action nationwide and we will stick to it and we give them, the government of the day, to do expeditiously what we have stated. If not, or else, abide by the consequences."
Strong words, but there is a different between a threat and a strike - and there have been many threats, but the union says this time it isn't playing, it is serious, ready and mobilizing.
Rene Gomez,
"We presently are garnering public support and we have all our affiliate members and unions doing so as we speak and so we are preparing the ground to do battle if necessary."
But when will it do battle?
George Frazer,
"Our forces are being mobilized brothers and sisters because I know maybe many of you came to hear the word but that is our secret weapon. But take and have no doubt that we will do what we have to do and sooner rather than later."
Rene Gomez,
"We cannot disclose when we will act. The process is on right now and it will be sooner than you can believe. We are putting the burden on the government of the day to take action. If not, we will take action."
But that action will not include violence - at least not violence that the union initiates.
George Frazer,
"The NTUCB has never ever advocated criminal acts. The last time when that incident happened on the bridge they tried to pin it on the unions and we know that some of them set up their own minions from people out there. But let it also be known that if anybody aggress us, if we have to defend ourselves, we will. We believe in freedom and respect for law and order but those who do not maintain that respect then we will treat them the same way."
But listening to the president's keynote address there is punishment that has to be meted out for what he says are many and massive offences against the nation.
Rene Gomez,
"The modern day despots and pirates continue their shameless and arrogant ways to steal, enslave, and sell us out lock, stock, and barrel. They saddle us with higher taxes, unemployment, poverty, and crime while they fill their pockets sell, steal, and give away our national assets and land to each other and to their families and friends. The NTUCB workers and right thinking people of Belize are demanding justice and punishment for those who have done us wrong, those who have stolen, sold us, and our assets out, cause us and our children undue suffering and pain with all their abuses, disrespect, and arrogance must be made to pay and pay dearly."
And the unions are not asking for political support to help them issue the penalty - at least not from the UDP.
Rene Gomez,
"We are independent and we will act independently. When we act and if they want to join it is their prerogative. We do not want any political party to capitalize on our doings."
And as for Labour Minister Francis Fonseca and his quest to defend Christine Perriot, they don't want that kind of help either.
Rene Gomez,
"We as NTUCB views this as politicizing and trying to garner support and we are not here to play anymore games. We are here to do what we need to do as an organized and responsible organization and no government and no Minister of government will take us for a ride and politicize, 'well we did this for them and they are not doing.' So we will not go that way. The Minister of Labor and Attorney General is missing the boat by coming to us. What we ought to be doing is enforcing the law of the judiciary, to enforce the law that BTL honors the ruling of the Supreme Court and that is what he is supposed to be doing and not trying to defend Christine. We have our lawyers and we will pay our lawyers. We can take care of that."
So with the opposition and the Labour Minister rebuffed, these unions make it clear that the ball is now in the Prime Minister's court.
Rene Gomez,
"We gave them on December the 16th a letter to the Prime Minister a letter and he has failed to answer and we have said now he will need to come to us, we will no longer go to him."
