By Aaron Humes: The National Bus Company (NBC) issued a statement on Wednesday addressing a video circulating on social media that suggested employees were on strike.
NBC “categorically confirms that no employees are on strike,” calling the video “outdated” and stating it “does not reflect current operations.”
According to NBC, all staff at the Benque station reported for duty Tuesday, and buses departed at their normal scheduled times. “NBC remains fully operational and committed to serving the commuting public,” the release said, urging the public to rely on official NBC channels for information.
The statement comes as concerns grow over the government-run bus service. Videos have surfaced from mechanic yards showing numerous buses parked and in need of repairs, with runs reportedly being cut and passengers expressing frustration.
Phillip Jones, President of the Belize Bus Association (BBA), said NBC workers have contacted him directly about ongoing issues. “Those are videos sent by some of the personnel from the company because they are still saying that they are not being paid their severance, they are not being paid their vacation pay, they are not being paid time of service,” Jones said.
Jones added that morale among workers is low. “So there is no mechanic in any district working. So hence the reason why they had to outsource their servicing of equipment… runs are being cut on a daily basis,” he said. He noted that many of the buses needing repairs were recently purchased.
“Many people would say, well, why do you still stay in the business? Or why the operators never go to something else? Majority of the operators, they are farmers that are in the industry,” Jones said. “Many of them, if not all, hold on to say, okay, then is coming to save the industry and save us and things will get better. But they feel quite the contrary.”
NBC has not yet responded to the specific claims raised by Jones regarding pay and maintenance.
The post National Bus Company denies strike claims amid reports of operational issues appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: The National Bus Company (NBC) issued a statement on Wednesday addressing a video circulating on social media that suggested employees were on strike. NBC “categorically confirms that no employees are on strike,” calling the video “outdated” and stating it “does not reflect current operations.” According to NBC, all staff at the Benque
The post National Bus Company denies strike claims amid reports of operational issues appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
