By Government Press Office | BELIZE
BELMOPAN, Belize – On Friday, April 30, 2021, Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) and the Belize Communications Worker’s Union (BCWU) signed a four-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for 229 BTL employees.
The BCWU and the management of BTL negotiated provisions to maintain and enhance the good relations that exist between the company and the employees of BTL in dealing with the unprecedented labour and commercial challenges brought about by COVID-19.
Ivan Tesecum, chief executive officer of BTL, and Mark Gladden, president of the BCWU, signed the CBA. Ramiro Ramirez, minister of state in the ministry of rural transformation, community development, labour and local government, congratulated Tesecum and Gladden for the timeliness with which the CBA was concluded and the spirit of goodwill and collaboration that prevailed throughout the negotiations.
The minister further noted that the agreement will enhance the productivity of the employees through harmonious industrial relations.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Valentino Shal, chief executive officer in the ministry of rural transformation, community development, labour and local government; Anne Marie Thompson, Labour Commissioner; Mark Lizarraga, BTL chairman; Jolene Avila, BTL human resources; Mark Bowman, BCWU general secretary; and Emerson Castillo, BCWU Trustee.
The ministry continues to work closely with employers and employees throughout the country to promote good industrial relations, fairness, impartiality, and tripartism for mutual benefit of all.