KHMHA Workers Union Says NO to Authority Act Amendment

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union (KHMHAWU) is strongly opposing a recent amendment to the KHMH Authority Act. In a statement, the union explained that the amendment read in the House of Representatives on October 18, 2024, removes the union’s right to representation on the Board of Governors, replacing it with a representative from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), who cannot be a member of KHMHAWU.

The union stated, “At no point during the drafting or consideration of this amendment were we, the KHMHAWU, informed of any such changes, reasoning, or justification for removing our seat from the Board.” The union stressed that their presence on the Board is vital for addressing staff needs, as they “have a direct and intimate understanding of the needs, challenges, and issues faced by employees.”

While they respect the NTUCB, the union believes only a KHMHA member can truly represent staff interests. They demand a “full retraction of this amendment and the restoration of KHMHAWU’s right to have representation on the Board.”

The KHMHAWU called an urgent meeting with Prime Minister John Briceno to discuss issues affecting KHMHA employees.