And those social partners, namely the Trade Union Congress could have used a slight boost from the PUP on Friday at their labour day rally in Belize City. That's because only 45 persons came out - which is a modest improvement from the 32 we counted last year. But the trade union leaders say it's not a reflection of poor national support - they said that their members preferred family fun days in their districts instead of a nationwide rally which they do not see as important.
Marvin Mora, President - NTUCB
"The purpose is for it to eventually grow into something a lot larger and eventually make it be probably the largest event in the country. Where all the labourers they come out, express their views, they hear other people express theirs and we have the social gathering, basically, but in a rally type of setting. The day was placed aside for the labourers of the country to celebrate their achievements. This should be the development of our country because all the labour that you see is, in our country, is the labour that develops our country. Without our labour there would be no development. So in reality for example, just give you an example. When a manager says 'I did this' or when a minister says 'I did that', he didn't literally went out there and do it. It was actual workers who went out there and made it happen. So we are the people that build our country, we are the people who make things happen."
Daniel Ortiz
"Numbers are important and so far we are only counting something around 30-40 persons who are here presently. What happened? And why? This is a union that represents thousands."
Marvin Mora, President - NTUCB
"Yes excellent question. The whole process of mobilizing people takes two things. One, it takes will and two, it takes money. This is the second year that we are attempting to do this and we are trying to bring consciousness to the rest of the union members around the country that make up the strength of the NTUCB, the support of the NTUCB. That it is something that is needed to create the ambient of power that the NTUCB should have. One of the things that we've noticed is that most of the trade unions, I have to say it, do not want to invest in the process. They would rather have a family day where all their families go and meet than to invest in a rally by the NTUCB which is sad coming from the leaders. But that is the truth, and if the leaders and their union aren't willing to invest in mobilizing their people, then every year we will have this problem. So again I'm calling for them to understand that this is something that is worthwhile. The plan eventually is for districts to submit some sort of request, you know. Or even bid for the Labour Day rally to happen in their town. So that is the plan that we have but, it will not reach that stage if we do not do the proper investments now."
The rally culminated with speeches at BTL Park.
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