Gerald Henry
“I certainly feel that way. I am certainly proud of all the members that came out, all the unions that came out, to fight for what they deserve. We are not fighting for something we want, it is what we deserve. We have always continued working. We have not stopped working. In fact, we have been working overtime and not getting paid overtime. So for the government to want to come and cut the ten percent it is really unfair. And so I guess this is what is shows out here that it is not only myself, but when I speak, I speak on behalf of my membership.”
st Vice President, P.S.U.
“We have served the public service notice that we will take legal action where our people are being victimized. And, because of the victimization that is happening with termination and transfers, the talks this morning almost broke down and that is why we did not get far. And I want to be clear on that. The talks this morning almost broke down, because of the nonsense that was on tv last night whereby people were being threatened. I am pleased to report that under the good leadership of the three ministers there today we were able to get their commitment that the victimization stops, and it stops now…”
May 5, 2021
Finally, G.O.B. and Joint Unions Enter Negotiations
The Joint Unions Negotiating Team and representatives of the Briceño administration resumed discussion on Tuesday afternoon. That meeting was held at the House of Culture here in Belize City and lasted for almost six and a half hours. Both parties later exited the compound at around seven p.m. Today, when we spoke with the President of the Public Service Union, Gerald Henry, he was unable to provide specific details of the meeting because discussions with government are still ongoing. He did, however, mentioned that the discussions were cordial and that the joint unions finally feel that they have entered negotiations.
May 4, 2021
Unions Gather Outside House of Culture
While members were out in the streets protesting, their leaders were behind closed doors preparing for a mid-afternoon meeting with government representatives. That meeting began at one-thirty p.m. inside the House of Culture Compound in Belize City. News Five’s Paul Lopez was there and files the following report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
This afternoon, the symbol of Union Solidarity was marked by Union Leaders joining hands at the House of Culture’s gates. A mass of union members cheered on their leaders who were moments away from entering the negotiation room with government officials. Union leaders held a meeting of their own to strategize.
May 4, 2021
P.S.U. Kicks of Strike with Service and March through Belize City
If you went to any government offices today and wondered where the staff was, well they were very likely on the streets of Belize City. News Five followed the Public Service Union members from their opening church service to their march on Belize City.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Today marks the first day of strike action for the Public Service Union of Belize. The day began with a church service at the King’s Park Nazarene church. After service, the P.S.U., Belize National Teachers Union, the Nurses Association of Belize, and the Association of Public Service Senior Managers went on a march through the streets of Belize City. President of the PSU, Gerald Henry told News Five that he was thrilled with the turnout of PSU members, which he estimated to be hundreds, from communities across the country.