Christian Workers Union Seeks Resolution in Stevedores’ Dispute

There is another union matter that remains pending.  For the Christian Workers Union (CWU), they want the issue with the Port of Belize Limited (PBL) resolved.  In an update today, it was reported that the Essential Services Arbitration Tribunal (ESAT) is back at work in resolving the plight of the stevedores who have been affected.  On January 31, the CWU, on behalf of the stevedores, invoked a 21-day notice over what they said were long-standing issues affecting the seafront workers. In response, the Ministry of Labour intervened and referred the matter to the tribunal. On Monday, the tribunal members were appointed, and they were formally constituted to resolve the ongoing dispute before the expiration of the 21-day notice. Persons selected by the minister to the ESAT are William Lindo as Chairman and Carlos Magana and Arturo Lizarraga as members. Marcello Blake was nominated by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Clifford Martinez by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. The ministry is calling on both the CWU and PBL to engage in constructive dialogue using the Tribunal.  It is key to note that under the Essential Services Act, no industrial action can be undertaken while the matter is under consideration by the Tribunal. Earlier today, our newsroom reached out to CWU President Leonora Flowers who provided a text, stating, quote, “although the union recognizes that its members have not had “just, fair nor reasonable” results from tribunals in the past, CWU is following the procedures afforded under the Labour laws. We believe that the common man can still get justice at this stage.” End of quote. The CWU strike notice expires on February 21.