Happy Labour Day! Prime Minister, Labour Minister salute workers and unions

By Aaron Humes: Prime Minister John Briceño and Minister of Labour Oscar Requeña have released separate messages in honour of Labour Day.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to workers and the trade unions representing them: “It cannot be stated enough that the actions of our unions help to protect collective bargaining rights, strengthen the middle class and make workplaces safer for workers and for all Belizeans.” He further cited their hand of assistance in battling cost of living issues and touted the work Government has done and will do in support of workers.

These include the early restoration of lost salaries and increments; the increase of the minimum wage to $5 an hour, affecting nearly a quarter of the labour force; improvements in business which has cut unemployment. $20 million will be made available for home ownership through the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and support will be given to micro, small and medium business enterprises (MSMEs) and the so-called “orange economy,” referring to arts and entertainment.

Invoking the late Right Honourable George Price, Labour Minister Requeña said we all contribute our labour, whether in capital, land or skill – and we all share the benefits.

In pursuit of social justice, the Labour Act will be revised comprehensively with consultation of key stakeholders at the tripartite level – trade unions, business, and government. The Minister also referred to the implementation of the three-year policy designed to combat the worst forms of child labour.

“As the economy continues to expand, we are committed to ensuring that workers are able to be placed where their skills are most needed, and to be put to good use,” the Minister stated, adding that the Department is taking a hand in ensuring that jobs match the skill sets available and that economic progress leaves no one behind.

The traditional Labour Department Open Day will take place on May 5 at its countrywide offices.

Dеѕріtе іt bеіng а рublіс аnd bаnk hоlіdау, mаnу аrе ѕtіll wоrkіng and that keeps Веlіzе’ѕ есоnоmіс еngіnе – іtѕ wоrkеrѕ аt hоmе, іn thе fіеldѕ, іn thе оffісеѕ, еvеrуwhеrе.

А Нарру Lаbоur Dау frоm аll оf uѕ аt Вrеаkіng Веlіzе Nеwѕ (аnd оbvіоuѕlу, nо hоlіdауѕ hеrе!)

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