Monday’s nationwide bus strike is currently on a pause, confirmed Philip Jones, the president of the Belize Bus Association. But for bus operators the strike remains on the table and under a strict deadline.
On Friday, Jones stated that convincing members to hold off on strike action took weeks of persuasion amid what he claims are weeks of unanswered letters to the Department of Transport and the Minister.
“We sent a third letter around the sixteenth asking for a sit-down to meet and let’s discuss the extension of the subsidy. Because, as you’re all aware, the crisis have not ceased. It picked up actually and it’s a real challenge for the bus operators,” Jones said.
Jones confirmed receiving a letter last Thursday confirming the Transport Minister’s meeting with the Cabinet and Prime Minister John Briceño this coming week.
So, what would stop bus operators from going ahead with the strike?
According to Jones, members only agreed to put a pause until the cabinet meeting is held, adding that members said, “after the cabinet meeting, we need to see some positive results from that meeting. If not, they won’t be able to run the following day.”
“That’s the position of the members’ majority,” Jones said.
PM Briceño told News 5 on Friday that the pending meeting with the Cabinet will be discussing the BBA’s request and “ if we can we will give it. If we can’t then we will say, I am sorry we can’t do it at this moment and it is up to them. If they want to strike, like I tell everybody, it is your right, guaranteed under the constitution.”
The PM also warned the BBA to make its case for a renewed diesel subsidy on merit, not through the threat of a strike. “The last time they came and they made a compelling case and we agreed to give them a subsidy. But you can’t govern by fear,” Briceño added.
