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Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister
"Last Wednesday May 21st, we formally presented in writing to the JUNT the proposal after Cabinet had accepted it. You all know the contents of that proposal, but I repeat it here for the benefit of all. Cabinet approved the execution of the general CBA framework to commence on June 18th 2025 or any other date agreed upon by the parties. Cabinet approved the retroactive disbursement of funds to meet transfer grant due and owing as agreed upon in the CBA of September 2021. Cabinet affirmed its commitment to an increase in minimum wage to $6 in accordance with our plan in Belize 2.0 manifesto commitment. Such an increase to come after the requisite engagement and consultation with all relevant stakeholders. On the matter of request for salary adjustment of 8.5% and two frozen increments, Cabinet approved a 3% salary increase starting October 1st 2025 and an additional increment at the start of fiscal year 2026/2027 so in effect a double increment will be issued then. Cabinet also authorized our negotiating team engage and reach an agreement with the JUNT on the matter of the remaining 5.5% salary increase and the second increment, subject to mutual agreement and measures related to pension reform, cost savings and revenue enhancement. Cabinet also instructed the attorney general and financial secretary to give legal effect to the government's assumption of 100% of all pensions and gratuity for teachers in grant aided institution effective September 2024. Previously, government was only responsible for 70% of those gratuities and pensions but because the churches were not meeting their 30% responsibility and the teacher were not receiving their just due in retirement, government had to step in. And finally, Cabinet also endorsed the negotiating team's propose comprehensive approach to future negotiations with the JUNT so that we never again have to be here in protracted negotiations over salary increases."