Will It Be Enough? GOB Scrambles to Avert Nationwide Teachers’ Strike

The Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU) will vote today on its next industrial action against the Briceño Administration. A day before the vote, the government has issued a formal response to key union demands.

In a letter dated May 21, 2025, addressed to the Joint Union Negotiating Team (JUNT), Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde outlined several Cabinet-approved concessions following a meeting held on May 13 between union representatives and government officials.

The government’s letter said it is willing to move forward with elements of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and related worker benefits. “Cabinet has approved the execution of the General CBA Framework on 18th June 2025 or any other date agreed upon by the parties,” the letter states, adding that this is contingent on a 60-day maximum response period for counterproposals.

Among the most significant commitments is a partial salary adjustment in response to the unions’ request for an 8.5% salary increase and the reinstatement of two frozen increments. The Cabinet has approved “a 3% salary increase starting 1st October 2025” and “an additional increment at the start of FY 2026–2027.” The remaining 5.5% increase and the second frozen increment, however, are subject to further negotiations tied to measures for pension reform, cost savings, and revenue enhancement.

The letter also says that Cabinet “approved the disbursement of funds to meet TRANSFER GRANTS due and owing as agreed upon in the CBA 2021–2024.” The government also reconfirmed its pledge to raise the minimum wage to $6 in line with Plan Belize 2.0, though it stressed that this would follow consultation with key stakeholders.

Another notable point is the government’s move to assume full financial responsibility for teacher pensions. “Cabinet has instructed the Attorney General and the Financial Secretary to give legal effect to the Government’s assumption of 100% payment of Pensions and Gratuities for teachers in grant-aided institutions effective September 2024,” Hyde wrote.

The letter also outlines a broader framework for future negotiations, including “a CPI/COST OF LIVING (COLA) formula, Income Tax relief, Land access, Housing Programs, Education Scholarship Opportunities, Union officers benefits and privileges, and agreed upon performance targets.”

“We believe that all of the above reflect a good faith, responsible, respectful response to the matters discussed in our 13th May Meeting,” the letter concludes.

Today’s vote by the BNTU membership will determine whether teachers proceed to the next phase of industrial action. The union has already issued a 21-day strike notice and staged a demonstration earlier this month.