Social Security payments are due on the 14th of the month - and panicked whispers went out late yesterday that there would be mighty long lines, because Social Security workers intended to stage a sick out.
Well, it didn't happen - but that didn't stop Social Security Management from deploying additional staff to all major branches just in case workers didn't show up.
But they did, and all went as normal - except that the gate at Belmopan Headquarters was open a little later than usual.
But, according to the Christian Workers Union things will inevitably come to a head if Management does not sign off on a long-in-the-making Collective Bargaining agreement.
The CWU represents the workers and today General Secretary James McFoy told us that Management responded to a threat today - but in the days to come, it might not have tome to respond:..
James McFoy - General Secretary, CWU
"They heard that they should have been finish then which should have been done but the union is a responsible union that is why it did not happen, but they will not know when it will happen."
Jules Vasquez
"It will happen?"
James McFoy - General Secretary, CWU
If we don't get any settlement. I am giving a limitation to where we are going and where we are supposed to reach because, I will be honest with you, I James McFoy (not the union) seriously tired of seeing people taken advantage of. I don't take advantage of people and I don't like they take advantage of me. I don't do it, so I don't expect it from you."
"This is a message to whosoever; tightened up and let us get this thing done because whatever happens I will glorify over what happens if it means that I have to go jail, then let me go to jail. If these workers decide to take some action then work will slow down. We `went through 8 years of this thing. Let us get this over with and put it behind us."
According to Social Security Chairman Doug Singh 75% of any increases that would come through the Collective Bargaining Agreement have already been paid. He says that a few like hardship allowance and long service awards are still pending.
But, nonetheless, McFoy has requested to meet with Singh early next week. We don't know if that will happen but he has gotten the attention of the Labor Department - which he describes as a foot dragging organization:..
James McFoy - General Secretary, CWU
"Because of the sudden election the labor department have drag its feet, they are drag feet people. They always say to a lot of people that man power is their problem, these are serious issues. What I told the commissioner today is that because of the seriousness and the dynamics of the situation I would prefer to meet with them on Monday. But I had already sent that letter asking for the 19th June, which is Tuesday. I have no problem in living up to the Tuesday."
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