Minister of Education Provides Update on Negotiations with Belize National Teachers Union

Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca has given an update on the negotiations with the Belize National Teachers Union (BNTU). Fonseca and his team met with the BNTU back in December 2023 to discuss several issues, among them were outstanding increments owed to teachers. Fonseca said that the majority of the issues raised by the BNTU have been addressed but the work continues on those that are outstanding. 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education: “Yeah largely, largely met. There are a number of outstanding cases but I would put it at more than 80% of the commitments have been met. But you know the increment issue is one I said this over and over that has really plagued us for a number of years and allowances you know so it’s something that’s been worked oni. It involves not only the Ministry of Education but it also involves the Treasury Department, the Accountant General’s Office. So all I can say is from the Ministry of Education’s side we have done everything we can. We’ve employed additional workers to get these things done you know so I certainly know we’ve been engaging and sharing information with the BNTU. It’s been very respectful, very consultative you know so I would be very disappointed to hear that there is talk of some strike or anything of that nature you know and it will be very suspect if it came before the March 6th elections I would make that point as well. I know there are a few people who are agitating for something to be done but I can tell you that we have been very open and frank with the BNTU, we’ve met with them every time they wanted information about the process that we’re going through. So I think you know we are very close to finalizing all of those issues that we discussed in December.”

Fonseca added that he is aware of entities within the BNTU advocating for some form of action against the government, but maintains that this should not be an issue as his ministry has operated in good faith with the BNTU.