Traffic slowed on the Phillip Goldson Highway this afternoon as the sidewalk outside of BEL's Corporate Headquarters became overrun by green shirts and picket signs.
That was the Belize Energy Workers for Justice taking it up a notch in their campaign to get their severance in addition to their pension which they claim they have not received. We spoke to their representative about their next move following today's protest.
Dorla Staine, Belize Energy Workers for Justice
"So far we have about 150 members who have come forward making a claim but it could be more and you also have person who have died who this ruling has an impact and so their family members have to check and see if their loved ones if they have the required amount of years to get severance and come forward and make a claim to the company."
"BEL saying that they don't owe us this severance even though that the court has ruled and we know from our agreements and from the labor law what is due to us so we come here to state our narrative and to ask the company and do the right thing and stand by it's employees that they used to give."
"Recognition, for the years of service we have these guys who were technicians, electricity workers, line men, mechanics Under BEB there was not even this big infrastructure those guys worked and brought this company up to where it is now."
Jo-
"If the message does not come across to them what actions do you plan to take next?"
Dorla Staine, Belize Energy Workers for Justice
"We continue this action we continue for the support but we also plan to go forward to the labor department, go forward to the government and make our representation directly to them."
BEL has said that it has, QUOTE, "paid severance to its employees on their departure as required under the law. Furthermore, since 2007 the Company has explicitly accounted for severance under its Pension Plan in accordance with the law."
