PM Urges Swift Resolution as Former BTL Workers Await Payment

Prime Minister John Briceño says he supports the concerns raised by former Belize Telemedia Limited workers and is calling on the company’s board to move quickly to resolve the outstanding severance dispute.  In an interview with the media yesterday, the Prime Minister said that while the government does not directly manage the day-to-day operations of the company, he believes the situation affecting past employees must be addressed without delay.  

He indicated that the responsibility now rests with the BTL board to identify the funds and bring closure to the matter for the workers who have been waiting for payment.

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “When it comes to the former BTL employees, as I said Friday and I will repeat again and we discussed it in cabinet, that we do believe that they will be paid and that BTL will pay them the severance that was owed back then.”

Reporter: They’re still using that six year limitation. 

John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize: “No.no. Listen when it comes to workers rights we have a very strong record and history. Our party started off from the labour union and we believe strongly and we will push BTL to ensure that these people be paid. Now I can’t promise you that they will give them one cheque immediately but obviously because it’s millions of dollars maybe they have to work out a payment scheme but we’re going to make sure that they get paid.”

His comments come as former employees, represented by the Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ), continue to press for a settlement after years of seeking the severance they say is owed to them.