The BNTU's 8 demands and their strike action have been dominating the headlines and as we have reported, the teachers are only getting started. So far the PUP has openly expressed support for the union in their fight - but we haven't heard much from other unions. But today, a call in to a morning show said that the stevedores also want to show solidarity by shutting down or blocking operations at the Port of Belize. The outspoken stevedore advised the public to stack up on supplies for a week because the stevedores will not be unloading any cargo ships in solidarity with the teachers. Today we asked the Port's CEO Arturo "Tux" Vasquez about this and he told us he hasn't gotten any official position or notice from the stevedores about this proposed strike. But if the stevedores plan on going through with it, Vasquez says it really isn't be the best way to show support to the teachers.
Arturo "Tux" Vasquez, CEO, Port of Belize
"We have been getting calls asking us about it whether the port will be opened or closed and of course the port will be opened for business as usual, not that we do not support the teachers but I believe we have an important job to do and we have a responsibility. In relation to the stevedores, I understand that there were some comments or remarks made on the talk show this morning, I'm not sure by who, but we haven't gotten any word from the Christian Workers Union who would be the representatives for the Stevedores. If the stevedores are in solidarity with the teachers that is fine, but as to what their actions will be in relation to supporting the teachers will be where they fall in, as you know the stevedores are basically hired based on ships calls, I'm not sure if there is a ship here on Monday, but that is where the port will be affected."
"Giving notice of a strike is one thing but you have to give notice and give your reasons why. I am not too sure if solidarity with the teachers will be a reason to strike, I don't think it is, a strike against the port would be having an issue with the port, so while I would support the stevedores in supporting the teachers, because on a personal basis I do support the teachers, but I would think that by supporting the teacher, having a strike would not be a way of giving or manifesting that support."
We asked Vasquez if he really believed it was about the teachers or if there is some other message the stevedores want to send to the Port. Vasquez told us he knows of no urgent issue regarding the stevedores other than the pending collective bargaining agreement.
Arturo "Tux" Vasquez, CEO, Port of Belize
"Other than the negotiations that have basically come to halt, I don't know of any other concerns that we have with the stevedores, we are basically working in solidarity right now, people are doing what they are supposed to do, so I don't know if anything is pending, if there is anything pending I would have to be advised about it."
Vasquez says the stevedores must give 21days notice and a valid reason for the strike and as you heard, support for teachers won't fly as a reason. Vasquez says the best way he sees fit to show support is to personally participate in a demonstration if one is organized by the teachers.
Email
Print