CWU Issues 21-Day Strike Notice Over Port of Belize Dispute

The Christian Workers Union (CWU) has formally notified the Government of Belize of its intent to take industrial action against the Port of Belize Limited (PBL) amid ongoing labour disputes.

In a letter dated January 31 and addressed to Minister of Labour Oscar Requena, CWU President Leonora Flowers invoked Section 15 of the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act, Chapter 298 of the Laws of Belize, giving the required 21-day notice before initiating industrial action.

The CWU stated that after the government’s unexpected acquisition of PBL, the union and its stevedore members made significant compromises to settle past disputes with the former owner. Since then, negotiations have been ongoing for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with the union proposing what it described as fair and mutually beneficial terms.

However, according to the CWU, recent developments have dashed hopes for a resolution, prompting the union to take this step. Despite this, the union expressed its willingness to continue negotiations in good faith, noting the essential role of stevedores in Belize’s economy.

Copies of the letter were also sent to Prime Minister John Briceño, key officials in the Ministry of Labour, and executives of PBL and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize.