A joint press release was just issued from the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize.
It says, quote, Today the BSCFA met with affiliates of the NTUCB to discuss ASR/BSI refusal for a one year interim agreement, including payment of the Fairtrade Premium to the BSCFA.
A consensus was reached on the way forward to ensure a collective approach and strategic actions in response to issues affecting BSCFA, the NTUCB and its affiliates.
A formal declaration and a plan of action will be released to address issues of national importance as well as specific concerns affecting the respective entities.
The parties note that BSI's announcement for an Open Agreement with BSCFA individual members is a divisive and undermining attempt at commandeering the sugar industry and will not be accepted."
End quote.
