The recent announcement by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dean Barrow, that Government is not prepared to give public servants and teachers a salary adjustment until next budget year, will be among the issues which the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) hopes to ventilate at its 47th Annual General Meeting, to be held in Punta Gorda this weekend.
The Congress will also likely discuss its expulsion of the Christian Workers Union.
NTUCB president Dylan Reneau told Amandala this evening that a new NTUCB constitution is in the works, and the draft document will be presented to those attending the AGM. Apart from upgrading the existing constitution, the new constitution is expected to set the framework for a more workable structure that will see branches of the Congress set up across the country. Currently, the NTUCB is centralized in Belize City.
Furthermore, all NTUCB committees and board members will be presenting reports. Financial reports are also due to be presented to members.
NTUCB treasurer Lorelie Westby, the 1st Vice President of the Belize Water Services Workers Union, has resigned and an election should be held this weekend for her replacement.
The Congress will also host a number of talks, including a presentation on the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Reneau said that trade union leaders will share their views on the focus they should now have, against the backdrop of current affairs.
Punta Gorda Town mayor, Anthony Fuentes, former president of the Belize National Teachers’ Union (BNTU), will welcome the gathering, while businessman, entrepreneur and consultant and community activist, Darius Avila, will present the keynote address.
NTUCB’s 47th Annual General Meeting is being held under the theme: “Empowering Workers through Collaboration with Social Partners.”