The Ministry of Labor in Belize is currently examining a landmark ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) regarding severance payments for retired employees of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). The CCJ’s decision, issued on November 6, 2025, mandates BTL to comply with Belize’s Labor Act by compensating ten former employees. This ruling has sparked nationwide discussions on its implications for workers’ rights and employer obligations. Section 183 of the Labor Act stipulates that employees with five years of continuous service are entitled to one week’s wages per year of service, while those with over ten years of service are owed two weeks’ wages per year. Valentino Shal, CEO of the Ministry of Labor, emphasized the ruling’s significance, stating that it sets a precedent and will be integrated into labor advisories and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to safeguard workers’ rights. Shal also noted that the ruling supersedes any contractual attempts to waive severance rights, even in union-regulated agreements. The Ministry is conducting a comprehensive review of labor laws to ensure compliance with the CCJ’s decision.