A Standoff Between Port of Belize and Stevedores Threatens Industrial Action

>> YOUR LINK HERE: ___ http://youtube.com/watch?v=opgfVNDenWA

For the latest news across Belize, visit: • http://edition.channel5belize.com/ • The Port of Belize Limited is once again at odds with gangs of stevedores working at the harbor, as well as their representative union. For years, the company has shared an adversarial relationship with waterfront workers, a somewhat confrontational state of affairs which dates back to the presidency of Antonio Gonzales. Since taking over as receiver in 2012, the existing administration has navigated turbulent waters with dockworkers on several instances, most notably in December 2015 when an impromptu strike was staged by disgruntled laborers. That industrial action resulted in a new piece of legislation which includes stevedoring as an essential service, also prohibiting dockhands from going on strike without prior notice. Last Wednesday, things reached a tipping point when a meeting between the management of PBL and representatives of the Christian Workers Union fell apart. Both parties were engaged in discussions pertaining to a Collective Bargaining Agreement, particularly where it concerns lengthy hours being worked by the stevedores.

#############################

New on site