It's official: salaries for teachers, public officers and open vote workers will be readjusted to reflect a ten percent reduction as of June first.� Earlier today, Financial Secretary Joseph Waight issued a circular to the Office of the Governor General, Chief Justice, Auditor General, Solicitor General, and C.E.O.s, among others, regarding a reduction in public service emoluments and allowances.� The document also introduces new pay scales.� The memorandum succeeds the ratification of the Public Sector Emoluments and Allowances Bill which was passed by the House or Representatives on May twenty-eighth and in the Senate on June fourth, respectively.� The bill is also the first piece of legislation to be signed by Governor General Froyla T'zalam since taking office on May twenty-seventh.� The Joint Union Negotiating Team, comprised of the leadership of the Belize National Teachers Union, Public Service Union and APSSM, are vehemently opposed to the salary reduction and was in a deadlock with the Brice�o administration for several weeks following failed negotiations.�
The unions subsequently went on strike in what is the longest period of industrial action in recent history.� The emoluments payable to a minister of government is effectively reduced by fifteen percent, their allowances have been cut by fifty percent.� We will break down the new pay scales and who are most affected in Wednesday's newscast.
Channel 5