Success at long last: CWU and PBL Sign New Collective Bargaining Agreement

On Wednesday, the Christian Workers Union (CWU) and the Port of Belize Limited (PBL) signed a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for the staff at PBL. This CBA immediately replaces the last agreement signed in 2002. A release from the Government of Belize says it sets the stage for a mutually beneficial relationship under the leadership displayed during negotiations by both parties. It is being described as a momentous occasion, because while collective bargaining agreements are to be revised every three years, the last CBA was signed  back in 2002, eighteen years ago. We spoke to President of CWU, Mose Hyde about the signing.

Andrew Lane

Moses Hyde, President, CWU

“I believe what I feel is a sense of relief for the members who are there with PBL, the staff. I believe that it has taken obviously way too long for them to get a current CBA. I think we are looking at seventeen, eighteen years thereabout. So, absolutely feel relieved on behalf of the members there. They accepted the terms of agreement by way of a vote. So respect to them. I hope that they are now in the position of becoming a guardian of that document so that they now fully become abreast of what it is, and that they are able to be vigilant with the rights that are enshrined in that agreement. Obviously I have to express gratitude to the Labor Department and the Ministry of Labor for playing a very instrumental role in it. Obviously, they say it takes two to tangle. So beside the involvement of  the Ministry of Labor, both sides, the employer and the unions, and the rep of the employees, had to be able to, with respect sit down and engage. Despite, significant degree of contention and also a very turbulent history.”