7 News Belize

Fired on Friday, Rehired On Monday
posted (December 2, 2013)
And while that was happening in Belize City, in Orange Walk 24 BSI contract workers called on their union to intercede after they were abruptly dismissed on Friday. Seems their contract had come to an end, but they got not notice of dismissal. The field workers had been retained by BSI to work on a crop growing project, but on Friday - with the season in limbo - they were suddenly sent home. The Belize Workers Union interceded and the matter resolved with surprising speed. Our colleagues at CTV-3 found out more:..

Ramiro Gongora, President - BWU
"They were being told that they have no more jobs. As the union legal representation to those workers, we had to do what we think is right as we forward a letter to BSI's management stating that these workers were taking out of their jobs with prior notice to the BWU."

Reporter
"What was the reason given to them?"

Ramiro Gongora, President - BWU
"The reason is that they (BSI) do not have any more work for them. They are workers that have been working for the past 5 years and they had never been told something like that."

Reporter
"I would assume they are contract workers."

Ramiro Gongora, President - BWU
"Those are the contract workers that we are presently negotiating for to represent them in a collective bargaining agreement with BSI."

Reporter
"Now, I understand that they got back their jobs or at least they got contract work."

Ramiro Gongora, President - BWU
"For the remaining balance, as to the conclusion of the negotiation between BSI and BWU."

Contrary to some reports, there was no ruction or disorder associated with this brief labor dispute.

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