Belmopan February 10th, 2025
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local
Government received a formal letter from the Christian Workers Union (CWU), dated January
31, 2025, invoking twenty-one (21) days’ notice of industrial action against Port of Belize Limited (PBL). This notice was submitted in accordance with Section 15 of the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act, Chapter 298 of the Laws of Belize.
On February 3, 2025, the Minister informed the CWU that, in accordance with Section 12 of the Act, the matter has been referred to the Essential Services Arbitration Tribunal for determination before the expiration of the 21-day notice period. The Tribunal has now been constituted to address the ongoing dispute.
Tribunal Members:
| Mr. William Lindo – | Chairman, nominated by the Minister |
| Mr. Carlos Magana – | Nominated by the Minister |
| Mr. Arturo Lizarraga – | Nominated by the Minister |
| Mr. Marcello Blake – | Nominated by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
| Mr. Clifford Martinez – | Nominated by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize |
The Tribunal is established to settle trade disputes and facilitate resolutions that promote industrial harmony while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders. The Ministry urges both CWU and PBL to engage in constructive dialogue through the Tribunal to achieve a fair and mutually beneficial resolution.
As stipulated in the Settlement of Disputes in Essential Services Act, Chapter 298, no industrial action shall be taken while the matter is before the Tribunal. The Ministry remains committed to ensuring a fair and timely resolution and encourages both parties to continue good-faith negotiations.
END
For further information, please contact:
Mrs. Rissela Dominguez-Patt
Labour Commissioner
Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government
Email: Labour.Comm@labour.gov.bz
Tel: (+501) 828-4276
