By Zoila Palma: On February 10, 2026, leaders of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize met with senior officials from the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour as part of ongoing engagement on labour policy and legislative reform.
The meeting was led by Minister of Immigration, Governance and Labour Kareem Musa and included Chief Executive Officer Tanya Santos and Deputy Labour Commissioner Claire Lamb, who represented the Ministry.
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize was represented by President Ella Waight, Councilor Tricia Pelayo, General Secretary Timothy Dami, Treasurer Jacqueline Medrano Cruz, Public Service Union President Dean Flowers, Trustees Luke Martinez and Lidia Blake, General Council member Marvin Mora, and Education Director Keisha Williams.
Discussions centered on several priority labour issues, including the interpretation of Section 117 of the Labour Act relating to holiday pay.
Union leaders sought legal clarification on the correct application of the provision to address inconsistent employer practices and ensure statutory holiday entitlements for workers.
Participants also discussed progress on the review of labour legislation, including the need to revisit the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act to ensure alignment with fundamental labour rights within the current economic and employment environment.
Occupational safety and health legislation formed another focus of the meeting, with emphasis placed on the enactment and effective implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill. Minimum wage policy was also addressed.
International labour commitments were reviewed, including the status of implementing International Labour Organization Convention 158 on termination of employment, preparation for the upcoming International Labour Conference, and efforts to strengthen coordination under the Decent Work Country Programme.
The meeting also examined emerging labour challenges linked to economic pressures, migration trends, and changing employment arrangements, with attention given to job security and working conditions.
Minister Musa said the engagement formed part of the Ministry’s approach to sustained dialogue with organized labour.
“Our goal remains consistent engagement with our social partners to clarify the law, strengthen worker protections, and ensure that any reforms reflect both economic realities and fundamental labour rights,” Musa stated.
Follow-up meetings are expected as discussions continue on the identified issues.
The post Labour Ministry and National Trade Union Congress of Belize discuss holiday pay and law reforms appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: On February 10, 2026, leaders of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize met with senior officials from the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour as part of ongoing engagement on labour policy and legislative reform. The meeting was led by Minister of Immigration, Governance and Labour Kareem Musa and included Chief
The post Labour Ministry and National Trade Union Congress of Belize discuss holiday pay and law reforms appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
