As we told you last night, the Christian Workers Union and the Belize City Council hammered out a collective bargaining agreement which was signed today. It's a monumental accomplishment since it was first started in 1993 by then Mayor Stephen Latchman. And today, both sides were glad that a work in progress for 23 years was finally finished:…
Audrey Matura-Shepherd, President, CWU
"Today is an historic day. Of Course it was not an easy battle but it was a battle nonetheless and we are seeing the fruits of it. It's not the most perfect CBA but it's a massive step forward and of course the Mayor and I have has our toss and tassels over things but I'm glad that we can sit down today and sign this CBA."
Darrell Bradley, Belize City Mayor
"We look at today as being really a water shed moment. We recognize the legal right of the union to participate in any and every discussion and we really want to create a culture of friendship and brotherhood between the union and management at the city council. I think that this collective bargaining agreement is a good first step in building on that relationship to ensure that our staff is protected and for the benefit of the municipal service which will ensure always for the benefit of the residents of Belize City."
Ivan Williams, Labor Comissioner
"And I can tell you my review of it far exceeds the minimum standards required and so I had no technical remarks in regard to the content of the document."
The agreement covers 194 CWU Members employed at the City Council. They will now have security of tenure which means that they don't have to worry about losing their jobs when there is a change in administration at City Hall.
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