Friday’s Protest in Belmopan Gains Momentum with Union Support

The upcoming demonstration in Belmopan on Friday is set to draw even larger crowds as the Public Service Union and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers join forces with the Belize National Teachers Union. Dean Flowers, President of the Public Service Union, emphasized that the teachers’ demands are shared by his members. This united front signals a significant show of solidarity among Belize’s public sector workers. We spoke with Flowers today to get his perspective on the growing movement.

 

Dean Flowers, President, B.N.T.U

“The BNTU, PSU, and APSSM are part of what we refer to as the joint union negotiating team, and so the issue or issues that we’re currently facing affect all three associations or bodies. So on Friday, in support of our sister union, in support of the issues that they are championing, and as we have a duty and obligation to as part of the joint union negotiating team, we will be issuing an official call to our general membership to be at Friday’s rally and demonstration against what we view as injustices against public sector workers by the Briceño administration. It is important that I also make note that the public service union would have consulted its membership last week and once again on Monday night, and the turnout was great. In terms of our virtual meetings, we have put out surveys to members as to whether or not this is a rally or demonstration that they would want to participate in, and they told us, not only do we want to participate in this rally and demonstration, but we want you to put together a comprehensive plan of action.”