And, again, the Briceno administration isn't too worried because, again, they're a popular government, proved so in two successive elections.
And now, a big part of the Briceno Administration's campaign to win the publicity war on this wage cut is the Prime Minister making his government's case to the Belizean people.
Yesterday, in that address to the nation released at 6:00 pm, the Prime Minister said that the wage cuts are just one of the very necessary - but bitter - medicines that must be administered to restore the nation's finances. Here's how he explained it:
Hon. John Briceno - Prime Minister "After careful analysis and consultation, we remain convinced that a salary adjustment of 60 million dollars is absolutely necessary. Additionally, we proposed to continue the increment freeze, which will account for another 20 million dollars annually. Unfortunately, the unions have not - so far - agreed with us that these adjustments are needed. It is important for all of us, the union members included, to know that the Government has provided the unions with all information that they have requested. Additionally, we have put forward numerous proposals in our attempt to win the support of the unions. For example, we proposed that the public sector workers and teachers would work 4 hours less per week. They in turn asked for 5 hours instead, and we agreed. We secured the agreement of the Central Bank to extend leniency on defaulting loans until the end of 2021. Both the DFC and the National Bank have agreed to make available 5 million dollars in loans to public officers and teachers. We have agreed to wave stamp duty on mortgage transfers by teachers and public officers. We offered to protect the lowest income earners from zero wage adjustment. We proposed reducing further the salaries and benefits for ministers and ministers of state, representatives, and CEOs. We agreed to accelerate the reform agenda including whistle-blowers and unjust enrichment laws. And we supported the joint government social partner monitoring committee to assess the performance of the budget every 6 months. In short, the Government made every reasonable concession to garner the support of the unions. Today, I was informed that the joint unions are preparing for industrial action. That is their right, as it is our responsibility to ensure that we continue to provide the needed services for our people, and we shall do so. To defeat COVID-19, fight poverty, grow the economy, create jobs, provide low-cost housing, and provide affordable education, we must first accept the reality of our financial predicament and implement a plan that will deliver us from this difficult place where we are."
