Communication Workers Union attempt to steal thunder from the BCWJ

With the Belize Communication Workers for Justice (BCWJ) having success in its demand for severance, the union for communication workers, the BCWU, asserting that they too had been pushing for a resolution.  As a matter of fact, the union is also defending why it chose not to participate in the recent protests. It is an interesting clarification being made at this juncture, especially after Love News had reached out on multiple occasions for comment from the union, but our requests went unanswered. Today, the union issued a detailed clarification of its role in the long-running severance dispute involving former Belize Telemedia Limited workers, pushing back against what it describes as misleading statements made by the BCWJ.  In its press release, the union says it has been consistently engaged with BTL and relevant stakeholders following the Caribbean Court of Justice judgment of November 5, 2025, which ordered payment of outstanding severance to the affected employees.  The union outlined a timeline of actions dating back to November 7 last year, when BCWJ first requested its endorsement in advocacy efforts. The union says it subsequently held consultations with BTL to ensure the company’s policies reflected the court’s ruling and also worked with the National Trade Union Congress of Belize to raise concerns about tax treatment on severance payments. According to the release, the union also raised the matter during discussions surrounding the proposed acquisition of Speednet, noting potential implications for employees and reiterating the need to resolve severance obligations promptly. The BCWU says it declined participation in protest actions earlier this month after an emergency membership meeting determined there was no mandate from members, though individuals were free to offer personal support outside working hours. The union reports that sustained negotiations continued through mid-February, culminating yesterday, February 17, when BTL formally agreed to proceed with settlement of outstanding severance payments. While welcoming the development, the BCWU expressed regret over what it called public attacks against its executive and membership and reaffirmed its commitment to lawful negotiation, transparency, and protecting the rights of both past and present employees.