By Belize Live News Staff: After four weeks of protests, press conferences and picketing, the Belize Communication Workers for Justice (BCWJ) have secured a major breakthrough.
Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has agreed to pay severance in a lump sum to 564 former employees — not just members of the BCWJ group. The agreement follows a three-hour meeting between the BCWJ and BTL’s board.
BCWJ representative Emily Turner described the meeting as productive and collaborative, noting that both sides were able to move past earlier tensions and reach common ground.
According to Turner, BTL has committed to paying severance in full and in one payment. She also confirmed that employees outside of the BCWJ group will be included in the payout, with the company agreeing to reach out to all affected workers dating back to 1994.
BTL is expected to respond further by Thursday, with another meeting anticipated next week. Discussions are expected to conclude within two weeks.
The total payout package is estimated to cost BTL more than $20 million.
