The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has escalated its opposition to a proposed acquisition deal involving Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), demanding comprehensive national public consultations before any agreement is finalized. NTUCB President Ella Waight has declared the union’s multifaceted strategy to challenge the transaction, citing insufficient stakeholder engagement from BTL management.
Waight revealed the labor organization has initiated legal proceedings to explore potential courtroom challenges to the acquisition’s validity. The union leader emphasized that BTL’s previous presentations to stakeholders appeared designed solely to secure approval rather than facilitate genuine dialogue about the deal’s implications.
“Their ultimate goal was for us to say yes, we agree to it,” Waight stated, characterizing BTL’s engagement as insufficient for an institution of its national importance. The NTUCB president confirmed the union is coordinating with other concerned entities who similarly oppose the transaction, noting this represents broader societal concern beyond just labor organizations.
Waight issued a definitive ultimatum: if administrative and legal channels prove unsuccessful, the union is prepared to organize public demonstrations as a final measure to ensure their objections receive adequate attention. This warning signals potential civil unrest should the process advance without addressing the union’s demands for transparency and public consultation.