April 30, 2007
Editor AMANDALA
Dear Sir,
My experiences in unionism in a country where I lived for forty years make me perceive the behaviour of those who make up the component of a workers union in a different way. I believe that to form a workers union, the agreement of the majority of the workers is needed. Once they agree to unite themselves for such purpose, then after, they need to form an executive body or their leader who would be the person(s) to defend their rights and also to seek for better working conditions, higher salary and many other benefits.
Such person needs to have a comprehension of the Labour laws, civil rights, human rights, etc. of the country. This will be the leader’s weapon for the defence of the rights of those who put her/him in such position. But of course, most of all is needed the support of those who make up such organization. Without the support of the members, there is no such thing as a workers union – it is just a fake.
It is unfair that after the components of an organization had asked a leader to be their General Secretary and after this leader has given him/herself to defend the rights of others, they leave their leader to be crucified by their masters. Yes, I am referring to Christine Perriott vs Belize Telecommunications Limited. I would be ashamed of myself if I was an employee and a member of the so-called workers union.
To be a General Secretary of a workers union and an employee at the same company is not an easy task. You have to choose, either to be on the company’s side or the workers’ side. And if you choose to be on the workers’ side, then you are considered as a troublemaker.
I was once a delegate representing a workers union at a hotel. Because of my experience of workers union movement, I wasn’t expecting any kind of agreement between the NTUCB vs GOB in favor of Christine Perriott. I was expecting the first workers’ strike in Belize City, in support of their General Secretary. And if there were no agreement, then a national strike.
You don’t leave your general alone to fight a battle. That is only seen in the Western movies where one gunman fights against a powerful group of bandidos and wins the battle.
But it seems as if Belize is still in that stage or era. A General Secretary of a workers union shouldn’t need lawyers to fight a labour case in a court, only if it is a penal case. If it is a labour case because of defending the workers rights, then, what happens to your members? Why aren’t you supporting your General Secretary?
Respectfully,
(Signed) Clinton Uh Luna
Finca Solana
Corozal Town