Former BEL workers continue push for severance payments

In related news, the Belize Energy Workers for Justice are continuing their campaign for severance payments they claim are owed to former employees of Belize Electricity Limited.  The group is asking BEL to provide a settlement similar to the payout recently made by Belize Telemedia Limited to some of its former workers.  BEL has maintained, however, that the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling associated with the BTL matter applied specifically to that company and does not automatically extend to former BEL employees.  The differing interpretations have left the dispute unresolved, with the former energy workers continuing to press for what they consider fair compensation.  Minister of Public Utilities, Logistics and Energy Michel Chebat was asked about the matter. While stopping short of taking a position on the legal arguments, Chebat expressed hope that the parties can find a mutually acceptable resolution.

Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities: “It’s a good thing we have a high court in Belize to determine these issues and whether they are justifiable or not. That’s why the court is there, right? I don’t want to cast any judgment on it. I think the former workers have an interest and they have a claim and so what needs to happen is that needs to be determined judicially. As far as I understand, and I could be wrong, but I understand that they have submitted for an advisory opinion from the high court. I will certainly speak to them and see where they are because it is an important issue. It needs to be addressed and if these workers have the court fine they have rights that must be satisfied, then they have to be satisfied. There’s no other way about it.”

The workers are seeking continued dialogue on their claim, while BEL’s position remains that the BTL judgment does not establish an equivalent obligation for the electricity company.