Posted: Tuesday, February 4, 2025. 3:09 pm CST.
By Horace Palacio: A growing dispute between firefighters and the top management of the Belize National Fire Service has escalated into a sick-out, as at least eight firefighters in Belize City called in sick today. The move is believed to be a form of protest against work schedule changes, salary concerns, and poor working conditions.
This latest action follows a go-slow protest that began last Friday, where firefighters voiced their frustrations over overtime pay, hazard allowances, and alleged corruption within the department. The Public Service Union (PSU), led by Dean Flowers, has since taken up the issue, meeting with Kennedy Carillo, CEO of the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management and Public Service, along with Rolando Zetina, in Belmopan.
According to Flowers, some firefighters receive hazard and danger allowances while others do not, highlighting inequalities in the system. The PSU now intends to bring the matter before the Ministry of Public Service to seek resolution.
Minister of Disaster Risk Management Andre Perez responded, explaining that the shift changes were due to budget constraints as the fiscal year nears its end. However, he assured that overtime work will still be compensated. Addressing the allegations of corruption within the Fire Service’s leadership, Perez stated that concrete evidence is needed before an official investigation can proceed.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that firefighters’ absence has left only officers in charge of manning Belize City’s northside and southside fire stations, raising concerns about emergency response capabilities.
The PSU has indicated that firefighters may escalate their protest if their grievances are not addressed, with discussions underway on possible industrial action. Flowers emphasized that while firefighters recognize their essential service status, they will follow legal procedures, including providing the government with a 21-day notice if necessary.
This is a developing story, and further updates will follow.
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The post Belize Fire Service faces crisis as firefighters protest over corruption, unfair wages appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
A growing dispute between firefighters and the top management of the Belize National Fire Service has escalated into a sick-out, as at least eight firefighters in Belize City called in sick today. The move is believed to be a form of protest against work schedule changes, salary concerns, and poor working conditions.
The post Belize Fire Service faces crisis as firefighters protest over corruption, unfair wages appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
