A wave of green and unity swept through the streets of Belmopan today as members of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), joined by the Public Service Union (PSU) and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers (APSSM), staged a massive demonstration. The protest coincided with the ceremonial opening of the National Assembly and marked the launch of the BNTU’s three-phase industrial action plan.
The demonstration, backed by more than 2,500 union members, signals mounting frustration over delayed salary adjustments, unfulfilled agreements, and the rising cost of living. The unions are demanding an 8.5% salary increase for teachers, a raise in the minimum wage from $5 to $6, an increase in the transfer grant from $1,200 to $1,500, and swift action on a Collective Bargaining Agreement submitted last November.
Speaking to News Five, BNTU President Nadia Caliz said today’s turnout exceeded expectations. “I thought we would see around 2,500 to 3,000 teachers, but thanks to a media interview yesterday, our numbers surged by over 25%,” she stated. “This isn’t about attacking anyone. We’ve waited long enough. Our teachers are still waiting on increments and salary adjustments while others have received theirs. It’s time for us to get our piece of the pie.”
Despite the scale of the demonstration, the Ministry of Education instructed all schools to remain open. In response to union pressure, the government has formed a negotiation team, led by Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde, to begin talks with union representatives.