KHMHA Workers Union escalates efforts for pension scheme before upcoming elections

Published by BBNTEAM at February 13, 2025

Posted: Thursday, February 13, 2025. 4:45 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority (KHMHA) Workers Union has intensified its campaign to institute a pension scheme for hospital employees, placing renewed pressure on the Government of Belize. Union representatives remain steadfast in their demands, citing years of advocacy as the motivation behind their actions.

A meeting with government officials is set for Monday, February 17. The workers held a lunchtime walkout at the hospital grounds on Wednesday, February 12.

“We want everyone to know that we are serious; we have put in the work, and we deserve our pension,” stated Dr Alain Gonzalez, Vice President of the union. He emphasized that their activism is not a reaction to the upcoming elections but rather a culmination of long-standing efforts to secure fair retirement benefits for the hospital’s employees.

The pension dispute primarily affects employees who served between 2000 and 2017, as those hired after 2018 were automatically enrolled in a Provident Fund, leaving a significant group without traditional pension benefits. The union estimates that approximately 230 to 250 employees—comprising doctors, nurses, and various support staff—are impacted by this issue.

Gonzalez assured that the union’s plans had been in place well ahead of the election season. “We had this already planned to ensure we come out strong. Our numbers have grown, and we are more united than ever,” he expressed, indicating a robust solidarity among union members.

The ongoing struggle for a pension scheme continues to garner support from both current employees and the community, as advocates call for equitable treatment and the recognition of the long service put forth by the healthcare workforce.

As the meeting date approaches, all eyes are on the government’s response and the outcome of the union’s continued push for a pension solution, a pivotal issue for many in Belize’s healthcare sector.

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