BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Mar. 12, 2020– Eleven days ago, the Christian Workers Union (CWU) and the stevedores it represents at the Port of Belize Limited, began protest action to force the management of the PBL to the negotiating table.

Last week Thursday, the CWU served the PBL with a notice for strike action if their demands were not met.

In order to bolster those demands, the stevedores have embarked upon a 21-day vigil at the PBL compound as they count down the 21 days when they will institute strike action against the management of PBL if their demands are not met through negotiations.

The stevedores camping at the Port compound

The 21-day notice to strike is in accordance with the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act.

President of the CWU, Evan “Mose” Hyde, has shared that holding the position at the PBL gate is a costly venture for their small and modest union.

The stevedores’ struggle has been kept alive with generous help from key partners.

Tomorrow, Friday, KREM Radio will host an all-day radiothon to raise funds for the stevedores’ legal fund and a barbecue sale will be held at the Battlefield Park on Saturday in order to assist the stevedores with their on-going demonstration.

Joel “Dara” Robinson of Dara Cyber Home Theater has also organized an event that is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 22, entiled “Solidarity Old School Concert” Stevedores Fundraiser.

A rally is also scheduled for this Friday, which will take place at the demonstration location, in front of the Port. The rally will kick off at 11:00 a.m. and will end at 2:00 p.m. Other uniformed members are also scheduled to participate in solidarity with the CWU.

PBL CEO Arturo “Tux” Vasquez has been replaced as the head of the Port negotiating team. The Port’s Chief Operations Officer, Pablo Alvarado Salinas, will not sit on the negotiating team.

CWU and PBL are working to hammer out a memorandum of understanding. There was a meeting this morning that was presided over by the Labor Commissioner.

Hyde told KREM News that the Labor Department has agreed to provide a recorder for the sessions.

“The more consequential negotiation is when we make our demands,” Hyde said.

Hyde also stated that they got a phone call from ASR which indicated that they want to meet with the union.

Hyde explained that they will provide a framework for the scope of the memorandum of understanding.

Feature photo: Evan “Mose” Hyde, President of CWU and stevedores continue with their protest tonight at Port of Belize compound