Posted: Sunday, June 8, 2025. 12:11 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: Last Thursday, hundreds of teachers across Belize staged a sickout, resulting in class cancellations and some school closures. This coordinated protest created significant disruption for families and caused considerable lost learning time for students, intensifying the ongoing tensions between teachers and the government. In addition to the sickout, there were recent demonstrations where teachers left “broken down” vehicles at crucial traffic intersections on main roads and national highways throughout the country.
Government officials have acknowledged the teachers’ concerns but also pointed to the limitations of the national budget. As discussions progress, the Ministry of Education faces pressure to address the teachers’ demands while ensuring students can continue their education.
Out of seven issues that were brought to the table, the government and the teachers’ unions reached an agreement on six, the notable exception regarding salary increases. The unions turned down the government’s initial offer of a 3 percent raise for the next fiscal year and the gradual restoration of salary increments. The government has since issued a new letter rejecting the unions’ request for an immediate full 8.5 percent salary and pension increase for public workers, stating that the projected annual cost of $60 million is not sustainable.
Instead, the Cabinet has approved a new phased plan for salary increases starting October 1, 2025. This includes a 4 percent salary increase, an additional increment for the fiscal year 2026/27, and a further 4.5 percent increase spread over two years. These raises hinge on pension reforms, cost-saving measures, and performance-based criteria. The pension reform will introduce a contributory scheme for new hires starting October 2025, which may later be extended to current employees.
The government also clarified that they are only considering the restoration of two missed increments, not three. They emphasized that while there was no agreement to restore past increments, they did resume them earlier than initially promised and remain committed to paying the two outstanding increments if financially feasible.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post After sickout, vehicle protests, unions and Government trade proposals in salary dispute appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Sunday, June 8, 2025. 12:11 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Last Thursday, hundreds of teachers across Belize staged a sickout, resulting in class cancellations and
The post After sickout, vehicle protests, unions and Government trade proposals in salary dispute appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.