NTUCB Boycotts IMF Meeting Over Approach Towards Public Officers

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has taken a stand against the IMF and has opted not to meet with them.  The union was to meet with representatives today from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the fund conducts its consultations with various groups in the country.   The meeting with the NTUCB didn’t happen, and according to a letter sent to the IMF today, the union is unhappy with the approach against public officers.  The letter, at the start, indicates that the unions will be boycotting the meeting.   It goes on further to say that the constant target of the IMF when it comes to cutting costs, is always the public officers.  It further notes, quote, “As a concerned global citizen who represents laborers, we are deeply troubled by the negative recommendations towards hard-working public-sector workers, teachers, police, doctors, nurses, firemen, etc. The negative impact that the IMF’s interventions have had on the working class, economies, and people of developing countries within the Caribbean and Latin American Region is of serious concern.”  End of quote.  We did reach out to the NTUCB president, Luis Luke Martinez, but he declined to comment on the matter.  Essentially, the NTUCB calls on the IMF to reconsider its approach to economic assistance and to prioritize the needs and rights of the PEOPLE in debtor nations. It is imperative that the IMF promote policies that foster social equity, inclusive growth, and environmental sustainability.  The letter was copied to the International Labour Organization (ILO); the Central Bank of Belize, and the Caribbean Congress of Labour