By Belize Live News Staff: The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Workers Union (KHMHWU) is calling on the government to withdraw a controversial amendment to the KHMH Act that would remove union representation from the hospital’s board. The amendment, introduced in the House earlier this month, proposes replacing the union’s representative with a nominee from the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, who would not be a KHMH staff member. Union leaders argue that this change undermines the voices of hospital workers and threatens transparency in board decisions.
In a press conference, KHMHWU President Andrew Baird expressed the union’s strong disapproval, stating, “This act is clearly eroding the accountability that workers fought for.” He described the amendment as a step backward, undermining the rights of hospital workers to participate in decisions that directly impact the institution. Baird also pledged that the union would take necessary actions to retain its place on the board, calling the amendment “union busting” and “unacceptable.”
Labour Senator Glenfield Dennison voiced his support for the union, emphasizing that the amendment’s language suggests a focus on removing specific individuals rather than instituting policy improvements. “We should be legislating for policy, not personalities,” Dennison remarked, questioning the true intent behind the amendment and calling for responsible governance.
Baird confirmed that the union is consulting legal advisors to explore all available options to challenge the amendment. The KHMHWU is seeking support from other unions and social partners to ensure that workers’ rights are protected. The union has vowed not to give up, urging government officials to reconsider the amendment and maintain the voice of hospital staff within KHMH’s decision-making process.
