KHMH Workers Union rejects government proposal, allegations of bad faith surface

Published by BBNTEAM at June 22, 2025

Posted: Sunday, June 22, 2025. 12:14 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Workers Union (KHMHWU) has taken a firm stand against the Government of Belize’s recent proposal regarding pension negotiations, claiming that the government’s actions demonstrate a lack of good faith. During a press conference on Thursday, KHMHWU President Andrew Baird announced that union members unanimously rejected the government’s offer, asserting that the government is misrepresenting the negotiation process.

Baird stated, “On June 5th, the government conveyed to us that we were no longer negotiating directly with them. Instead, they informed us that negotiations would now be conducted with the authority, with the government merely providing financial backing for what is agreed upon.” Baird emphasized that regardless of the negotiation party, the core demands of the workers remain unchanged.

The ongoing pension negotiations have been a contentious issue for the union, particularly for workers who have been contributing to their retirement fund since 2018 under mandatory terms—3 percent contributions from employees and 4 percent from the employer. However, union leaders express concern over how compensation will be handled for workers who have been employed from 2001 to 2018, as well as those continuing in service today.

Baird condemned the approach of the government, citing that the directive to shift negotiations to the authority feels like a strategic move to undermine the workers’ negotiations. “We are seeking what we believe is fair and just for our members, and we will not be sidestepped or misrepresented in this matter,” he remarked.

As tensions escalate, the KHMHWU is calling for transparency and respect in negotiations, urging the government to address the grievances of hospital workers seriously. Union members hope to facilitate a more constructive dialogue that prioritizes their rights and needs as essential healthcare providers.

The KHMHWU plans to continue rallying support from its members and the public, with the goal of ensuring that all healthcare workers receive the pension benefits they deserve. The next steps in this ongoing battle for fair compensation remain uncertain, but Baird affirmed that the union stands united in its efforts. “We will not rest until the rights of our members are acknowledged and respected,” he concluded.

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