1 day ago
1
Members of the Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ) continued their protest today outside the Belize Telemedia Limited headquarters on St. Thomas Street in Belize City, demanding payment of outstanding severance owed to former employees. The demonstration comes a day after Prime Minister John Briceño publicly indicated that BTL will ultimately have to find the funds to settle the severance payments. Despite that statement, the group returned to the picket line this morning and remained there into the afternoon. The group spokesperson Emily Turner acknowledged the Prime Minister’s remarks but said the company’s leadership has yet to respond in a meaningful way.
Emily Turner, Spokesperson, Belize Communications Workers for Justice:“We really received that message well. We must acknowledge that we appreciate that he has come out and said that on record. But he had sent a similar message last week, Friday, and then a couple hours later we got this letter from BTL saying that they were still reviewing. So while I appreciate that he’s supporting that, we are a group about action. That’s why we are out here. So unless BTL acts in that manner, it’s really just words coming out.”
The continued protest follows communication from BTL informing the group that the matter will be placed on the agenda for the company’s next board meeting scheduled for February 19. Workers say they intend to maintain pressure on the company until a clear commitment and timeline for payment is provided
English (US) ·