Firefighters Stage Sick-out in Belize City

Some eight firefighters in Belize City have called in sick. It is believed that this is a sick-out in response to their frustration with the top management of the Belize National Fire Service.

As we have been reporting, firefighters launched a go-slow protest, voicing frustration over changes to their work schedules, salary concerns, and poor working conditions. The demonstration, which began on Friday, follows recent corruption allegations involving top officials in the Fire Department.

On Monday, a group of firefighters led by Dean Flowers, President of the Public Service Union (PSU), met with Kennedy Carillo, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management, and Public Service CEO, Rolando Zetina, in Belmopan.

According to Flowers, the issues extend beyond overtime pay—firefighters feel underpaid, undervalued, and unfairly denied various allowances. He highlighted discrepancies in the distribution of hazard and danger allowances, noting that while some firefighters receive these benefits, others do not. The PSU intends to take the matter up with the Ministry of Public Service.

Minister of Disaster Risk Management Andre Perez responded to the concerns, explaining that the shift adjustments were necessary due to budget constraints as the fiscal year draws to a close. However, he assured that firefighters who work overtime will still be compensated. Addressing allegations of corruption at the department’s leadership level, Perez stated that while complaints have been noted, concrete evidence is needed before an official investigation can proceed.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that several firefighters staged a sick-out today, leaving only the officers in charge to man Belize City’s northside and southside fire stations.

On Monday, Flowers told News Five, “As it relates to industrial actions, the officers are currently contemplating their next step. We will be providing guidance for them where that is concerned. We recognise that they are an essential service. And so we’ll be following the regulations in ensuring that if there’s a need for us to step things up, we follow the law and that we give the government due notice as far as the 21 days notice is concerned. But that’s the direction. We will keep our feet on the pedal.”