A contentious standoff has erupted between Belize’s Public Service Union (PSU) and the Ministry of Transport regarding the government’s move to privatize bus terminal operations. The conflict centers on allegations that terminal staff received an unlawful ultimatum: resign by March 1st or face termination.
PSU President Dean Flowers maintains that workers across multiple terminals consistently reported identical messaging from transport officials, despite Transport C.E.O. Chester Williams’ denial that anyone is being forced out. The union has intervened, advising employees against surrendering their tenure and benefits during what it characterizes as a ‘high-stakes and confusing transition.’
Flowers frames the terminal dispute within a broader pattern of privatization initiatives, citing similar transitions at the Corporate Affairs Registry and police tax services department. He traces this trend back to previous administrations, asserting that the current Briceno-led government continues to systematically transfer public services to private control.
‘The Ministry of Finance pulled the same stunt with the Companies and Corporate Affairs Registry,’ Flowers stated. ‘This administration is hellbent on privatizing public services, which will ultimately cost both workers and consumers.’
The union leader warned that pharmaceutical procurement might represent the next sector targeted for privatization, potentially creating what he termed ‘pharmaceutical mafias’ that could control health funding.
While communication channels between the union and government have opened, the PSU emphasizes that no formal documentation regarding employee futures has been received from either the Transport or Finance ministries. The union insists that such significant structural changes require proper negotiation rather than unilateral implementation.