Yesterday we told you about the landmark ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice which established that pensioned employees are also entitled to severance.
The case came from 10 retired or resigned BTL employees. The company's position was that pension takes the place of severance.
But, the court found that it must be severance plus pension or the pension must be designed in such a way that severance continues to accrue on a non-contributory basis as a portion of the pension benefit.
Today, the CEO in the Ministry of Labour said it's important judgement:
Valentino Shal, CEO, Ministry of Labor
"The CCJ ruling, I believe, came out yesterday regarding severance. It's, of course, a groundbreaking ruling. It's very significant. And we are at this moment, reviewing it at the Labor Department here this morning, I briefly discussed it with the labor commissioner. But of course it will take, some internal discussions, to see how what implications this has for, the labor market."
Reporter
"It doesn't impact government right? They're doing what they should do?"
Valentino Shal, CEO, Ministry of Labor
"Well, like I said, weneed to carefully examine the ruling, and carefully examine the implications and of course. It's a very significant ruling. And so if it affects the public sector and the private sector differently, we have to get determined that, you know, it's very important that, we acknowledge it and, we respect the ruling. And, of course, and begin to ensure that there is compliance with it."
There are other former BTL employees who reports say were waiting for this outcome to seek payments from the company as well - and the total tab could be in the millions of dollars. In an internal memo today, the company said "Belize Telemedia Limited will dutifully comply with the Order of the Caribbean Court of Justice."
