BCWJ Warns of International Action Over BTL Severance

The Belize Communication Workers for Justice (BCWJ) has escalated its confrontation with Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), issuing a stern warning about potential international intervention regarding unresolved severance payments for 175 former employees. Union representative Emily Turner expressed profound disappointment with BTL’s contradictory communications and persistent delays in addressing the compensation issue, despite weeks of sustained protests. The labor dispute has gained additional complexity due to BTL’s concurrent pursuit of an $80 million acquisition of telecommunications provider Speednet/SMART while leaving severance obligations unmet. Turner revealed the union’s strategic connections with international labor organizations, specifically mentioning affiliations with the Caribbean Congress of Labour. While emphasizing the union’s preference for diplomatic resolution, Turner unequivocally stated that BCWJ stands prepared to mobilize its international networks if domestic negotiations continue to falter. The situation represents a significant test of corporate responsibility versus expansion ambitions in Belize’s telecommunications sector.