BELIZE CITY – In a landmark legislative achievement, Belize’s National Assembly has passed the long-awaited Occupational Safety and Health Bill, marking a transformative moment for workplace protections nationwide. The legislation received its decisive second reading on February 6, 2026, culminating more than a decade of persistent advocacy from labor organizations.
Outside the parliamentary chambers, veteran labor leader Luke Martinez, former president of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB), characterized the development as profoundly historic for the nation’s workforce. Martinez revealed his personal connection to the legislation dates back to 2014 when he first encountered the draft bill while serving as a records and research officer at the National Assembly.
The newly passed framework establishes comprehensive safety standards for workplaces across Belize, addressing what advocates have described as a critical gap in worker protections. Martinez emphasized that the legislation’s passage represents not the conclusion but the commencement of implementation efforts, noting that developing effective regulations will constitute the next phase of work.
Contrary to speculation that the bill served as a diversion tactic during other labor disputes, Martinez clarified that occupational safety legislation had been in development pipelines for years, with preliminary discussions involving the Prime Minister’s office preceding recent controversies.
The former union leader, who originated the “Rush the OSH” advocacy slogan, pledged continued collaboration with government and private sector stakeholders to develop specialized occupational safety training programs and ensure regulatory effectiveness. The legislation represents a tripartite achievement involving labor unions, employers, and government entities working collectively to enhance workplace safety standards.