BNTU Issues Strike Notice Over Salary Dispute

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) has officially notified the Ministry of Education of its intention to engage in strike action within the next 21 days. The decision was conveyed in a formal letter issued today by BNTU President Nadia Caliz, addressed to Minister of Education Oscar Requena, CEO Dian Maheia, and Chief Education Officer Yolanda Gongora.

In the letter, the BNTU expressed deep disappointment and dissatisfaction with the government’s refusal to consider the Joint Unions’ demand for a salary adjustment to help offset the high cost of living. The union said its members are being severely impacted by the current economic crisis and are seeking immediate relief.

“The grounds for such Industrial Action is to express our disappointment and dissatisfaction with the Government’s refusal to consider the Joint Unions’ request for a salary adjustment to provide much needed relief from the burden of the current high cost of living,” the letter states.

“BNTU therefore demands that negotiations continue in an effort to find workable and reasonable solutions to the current economic crisis being faced by our members,” Caliz wrote.

This formal strike notice comes amid ongoing national discussions about rising living costs and stalled salary negotiations between the Joint Unions and the government.