C.W.U. President, “It’s a step in the right direction for us.”

The outcome of today’s discussion, as we’ve reported, was favorable to both parties and is seen as a positive for the often-contentious relationship shared by the C.W.U. and their employer.  Since the Government of Belize announced the reacquisition of P.B.L. a few months ago, President Flowers says that there has been a marked difference in communication.

 

Leonora Flowers, President, Christian Worker’s Union

“It’s a step in the right direction for us.  We can say today that we have seen a difference in the communication, a difference in the discussion and so we feel that we are on the right track.  We want to say thanks to the government for doing this.  As I said, they’ve said they’ve taken over the port for and on behalf of the people of Belize and this is showing that and with that I can agree.”

 

Reporter

“Where do both parties stand on the issue of redundancy today?”

 

Leonora Flowers

“We have passed that stage.  With the gratuitous payment made today and the offer from the PM, our members are ready to relinquish that issue.  We have passed that stage.”

 

Reporter

“Is the offer more than the $1.5 million [that was] previously discussed?”

 

Leonora Flowers

“We’ve agreed to $1.6 million because one of the members reached out  to us to say that they have these huge legal bills and so without the approval of cabinet I agreed to include another hundred thousand, but I believe that the DPM will support me on that so that the package is $1.6 million.”