7 News Belize

National Transport Workers Case Will Go to Court
posted (April 12, 2011)
Remember the 275 workers of National Transport who were terminated in December when the company lapsed into receivership? Many of them still have not been paid, and they were back at the labour office today. I found out why:

Monica Bodden Reporting
Out of the two hundred and seventy five ex-employees of National Transport - who was fired of December 7th of last year - A few dozen showed up this morning in front of the labor department to attend a meeting - In hopes that they will be paid off by the National receiver and the labor department.

Phillip Jones - Former operations Manager
"Honestly I would expect that the Labour and the receiver the Belize Bank come to some solution to pay the workers and not to resort to court. On behalf of the Labour Department I think that there have been putting in the work to assist the workers genuinely, but on the receiver side, I personally know Mr. Kevin Castillo and he is not a rational person so I don't think he will give in to not going to court. I think he will take the matter to court and not pay the workers."

And then they all proceeded into the meeting - which the media wasn't allowed. After almost a 2 hour wait - the men came out with the news that the matter will now be going to court.

Phillip Jones - Former operations Manager
"We were very optimistic that probably the receiver Belize Bank will have some sort of social conscience but I guess that wasn't the case so the matter will be going to court now."

Marion Alley, Reporter
"Have they indicated whether they will counter sue?"

Phillip Jones - Former operations Manager
"No they have not indicated that. They have just mention to us that they have try all other avenues not going to court but to no avail. They are prepare now to go to court and whenever they will inform all employees and have a meeting."

Marion Alley, Reporter
"Well normally people don't say they are willing to go to court unless they have a good case. How do you feel now taking this matter to the court? What kind of chance do you have?"

Phillip Jones - Former operations Manager
"Well I believe that we have a very good chance. I believe 100% that the way that the receiver went in - Mr. Kevin Castillo went in illegally, he didn't have proper documentation, he went to Fabrigas and borrowed a chain cutter and cut the lock. Our attorney was there Ms. Shoman who asks to do an inventory which Mr. Castillo refuse and he ask the law enforcement officers to escort everyone off the property, so I believe we have a very strong case and I am very optimistic."

Meanwhile, the two hundred and seventy five ex-employees of National Transport have been trying to make ends meet.

Phillip Jones - Former operations Manager
"To be honest with you it has been very challenging. Presently I am still not working, I have tried to seek employment which is non-permanent and also a career opportunity but there is nothing out there right now so majority of the drivers that are here are still not employed. Like you said it has been since December 10th and we still don't have any job. Majority of us have not been paid what so ever amount of severance, a small amount was paid but we are still here four months now and we have nothing going on - no salary. The bank (Belize Bank) sending us letter. I would hope that they have some social conscience and try to pay the workers and not resorting going to court today."

We were unable to reach the labour commissioner for comment….

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