The First Caribbean Vesting Bill also went to the senate today. This one is interesting because the labour senator – who is usually anti-government –
couldn't stand in the way of a piece of legislation which is to facilitate a business transaction. In fact, he ended up acting as the Bank's
spokesperson – and you'll hear that shortly. But there's also labour senator – Ray Davis and 60 bank employees are going to lose their jobs. The
problem is that the labour senator has been cast aside by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, and even more so the Christian Workers Union,
which is led by Audrey Matura Shepherd – who pushed hardest for his removal as Senator. Here's what both of them had to say about the vesting:..
Hon. Mark Lizarraga - Business Senator
"We have every expectation that the employees will receive all that is due to them under any existing law or agreement. And we continue to urge all the
parties involved to continue to dialogue and to seek peaceful, mutually agreed upon and speedy resolution to this matter. We have been reassured by the
employer; in this instance Mr. President that they will continue to be mindful of the needs of all concerns and involved in this process. And that they
will observe at all times the highest levels of professionalism as they work to ensure a seamless and orderly transition of business to Heritage."
"They are mindful as well Mr. President of the anxiety that this transition brings to its staff and wishes to allay any fears that may surround the
number of unfortunate assumptions that have arisen over the last week. They remain committed to actively commencing and concluding the outstanding
negotiations as early as they can and to make all payments due to the employees. In concluding, the outstanding collective bargaining agreement; they
are committed with meeting with staff representatives in ensuring that negotiations are conducted in the establish manner with all the protocols to be
observed. They have as well committed to the payments of severance benefits to all the staff at levels above the statutory requirement and have
submitted proposed terms for consideration by the Christian Workers Union. These terms include payment of an additional bonus covering the period of
each employee's employment, beyond the end of the fiscal."
"They are committed Mr. President to helping all employees by providing resume writing and interviewing skills sessions, general education on personal
investments and financial planning, employment references as requested, counselling services for both employee and family and approved time off for job
interviews as requested."
Hon. Ray Davis - Labour and Civil Society Senator
"In my mind we have to now hold the prime minister accountable for translating his opinion; probably that of my colleague is the private sector into
palpable support for workers. We call on him to make sure that in accenting to this bill it is only after consultations with the representative of the
workers. We live in a country where we choose who we want to represent us and there are always compelling reasons why workers choose the leadership
that they choose. Some people might not agree with capacities, etc. but it is still the workers' choice. In negotiation the exit package, if everything
I'm hearing is true; this should not be an onerous exercise."
Both the vesting bill and the BTL Deed and settlement were passed by the Senate today.
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