And while he spoke about winning the support of the unions, indeed they are preparing for industrial action.
Yesterday, the PSU engaged its membership via a virtual poll on whether or not they should declare that a trade dispute exists between them and the government as employers. If they gave their approval of this declaration, then the union can move forward with different forms of industrial action.
Reliable sources tell us that a strong and clear mandate was given for them to immediately inform the Government of Belize that since there's an impasse in the negotiations, the Union will declare the existence of a Trade Dispute. Consequently, they will now proceed with the filing of the required 21 days notice for industrial action. Gauging from the strong positions before the concluded negotiations, it is likely that the other unions may join the PSU on their current course of action.
Today, we contacted a representative of the PSU for an interview on the outcome of yesterday's consultations. We were informed there must first be a discussion at the level of the union's Council of Management on the final results of the poll. The PSU may call a press conference tomorrow.
