Teachers’ Union Demands Payment of Overdue Increments and Allowances

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) is threatening to make a play against the Ministry of Education over unpaid increments and allowances.  Additionally, the union is now asking that these payments be made without tax deductions.  A release from the union noted that while the government does pay retroactively when they do honor payments, the practice of having teachers wait for monies owed to them has to end.  It was just seven weeks ago that the union had called out the government for monies owed to several teachers and for unpaid wages.  Shortly after, the ministry indicated that the matter was being resolved, and some monies were paid out.  Fast forward to today, however, and the union is saying that for this academic year, teachers are going without overdue increments and allowances.  According to its release, the union noted that they have conveyed its frustrations with the ministry and managing authorities but nothing has been done.  Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca, responded to the union, saying that the work continues in resolving all cases.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Obviously it’s a frustrating issue and as I have repeatedly said to the BNTU everyone at the Ministry of Education, in fact everyone in the Government of Belize is committed to resolving this matter. We don’t credit for it you know but this is a matter that goes back to 2018. 2018. We, our government, our Ministry of Education working along with the Treasury Department and the Accountant General have brought all of that from 2018 up to 2023. So what we’re dealing with now is 2023 and the current year trying to deal with those issues. Now we’ve almost resolved everything for 2023 so there are other issues in terms of 2024 but we are working tirelessly. Everyone is working and the BNTU knows this because we have regular meetings with them to discuss this matter. So we’re trying to address and resolve this matter as quickly as possible. Obviously we know that teachers want and deserve their increments their allowances so everybody is focused on getting it accomplished and we certainly hope that it will be resolved at the earliest possible time.”

Reporter: They asked to have it paid tax free. Is this a feasible option ? 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs: “Yeah I don’t know. I don’t want to speak on that because that’s something I would have to discuss with the Ministry of Finance, they are the ones who have to make that decision. But I’m certainly willing to have that conversation with the Ministry of Finance.” 

The union’s release further noted that with the cost of living on the rise, teachers need their monies to survive.  The release noted, quote, “Time and again our complaints have been met with flimsy excuses why what is owed to our teachers remain outstanding.  The saga of unpaid increments and allowances has seemingly become an annual tradition and one that aims to break the backs of our workers ….. We will no longer continue to beg for what is rightfully owed to our teachers. They have worked and deserve to be given their due.”  End of quote.  The union closed its release with a warning to the Ministry of Education and managers, telling them that the ball is in their court, and that they (the BNTU) has already drawn up its play.  It is unclear if this an indication of possible strike action but could very well be interpreted as such.