Essential Services Arbitration Tribunal Established to Address Port of Belize Dispute

The government has officially constituted the Essential Services Arbitration Tribunal to address an ongoing industrial dispute between the Christian Workers Union (CWU) and Port of Belize Limited (PBL).

The tribunal was formed following a January 31, 2025 letter from the CWU, which invoked a 21-day notice of industrial action in accordance with the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act, Chapter 298 of Belizean law. In response, on February 3, 2025, the Minister of Labour referred the matter to arbitration before the notice period expired, ensuring that the dispute is handled through legal mediation.

Tribunal Members

The appointed tribunal members include:
🔹 William Lindo – Chairman (Minister’s nominee)
🔹Carlos Magana – Minister’s nominee
🔹Arturo Lizarraga – Minister’s nominee
🔹Marcello Blake – Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry nominee
🔹Clifford Martinez – National Trade Union Congress of Belize nominee

The tribunal’s primary role is to facilitate fair resolutions to trade disputes while maintaining industrial harmony. The ministry has called on both the CWU and PBL to engage constructively with the tribunal to reach a mutually beneficial settlement.

Under Chapter 298 of the Act, no industrial action is permitted while the matter is under tribunal review.