By Aaron Humes, Belmopan: Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar-Panton raised the issue of the Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ)’s outstanding severance and interest on the adjournment of the House of Representatives.
When Belizeans work, they must be fairly compensated, Taegar-Panton said, noting the case of a constituent from her division who is housebound and without her husband and long-term caretaker. “When Belizeans work and earn a benefit under the law, the benefit must be honored…A government that stands for workers cannot remain silent while former employees are forced to protest outside the very institution that they help to build. Many of them continue to suffer in silence, but still they need their voices to be heard.” Severance is not a gift; it is an earned compensation for years of service,” she continued, adding that the opposition stands with them, that their voices are being heard, and that this should not be considered a private matter, considering that 88 percent of the company is publicly owned by the Social Security Board and the Government.
Earlier, the BCWJ coordinated a mass text blast to area representatives seeking their support and asking Belizeans to join with them.
Responding for the Government was Minister of Public Utilities Michel Chebat, who began by reminding that the Occupational Safety and Health Bill was just passed after a wait of 13 years, not to mention that former Corporate Secretary Lois Young had issued legal advice concerning those payments.
Chebat further reminded that BTL has fully paid the claimants in the Ervin Marin case as well as former employees released within the last six years and is committed to payments to those who are described as “statute-barred”, that is outside that six-year limitation.
But Chebat took up BTL’s view that it is not obligated to pay interest, in line with the principle that the court determines such at judgment, but is nonetheless willing to do so from the date of judgment only. “They will be treated equally,” he said.
Chebat also noted that legal costs as allegedly claimed by Senator and attorney Glenfield Dennison were not part of negotiations although he claimed BCWJ wants BTL to pay them.
The post Leader of the Opposition raises BCWJ issue on adjournment of House; Utilities Minister reiterates Telemedia stance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes, Belmopan: Leader of the Opposition Tracy Taegar-Panton raised the issue of the Belize Communications Workers for Justice (BCWJ)’s outstanding severance and interest on the adjournment of the House of Representatives. When Belizeans work, they must be fairly compensated, Taegar-Panton said, noting the case of a constituent from her division who is housebound
The post Leader of the Opposition raises BCWJ issue on adjournment of House; Utilities Minister reiterates Telemedia stance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
