BELCO & Electricity Union Labour Dispute
[Updated] A “labour dispute exists between BELCO and the Electricity Supply Trade Union,” the official notices stated today [July 18], with the Minister stating that he is “referring the said dispute for settlement to the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal.”
The latest official notices stated, “Notice Of Declaration Of Labour Dispute. Pursuant to section 72 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations [Consolidation] Act 2021, I declare that a labour dispute exists between BELCO and the Electricity Supply Trade Union.
“In accordance with section 70, of the Trade Union and Labour Relations [Consolidation] Act 2021, I am referring the said dispute for settlement to the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal established under section 44B of the Employment Act 2000.
“In accordance with section 87 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations [Consolidation] Act 2021, after the publication of this Notice, any lockout, strike or irregular industrial action short of a strike is unlawful and any person who takes part in, incites or in any way encourages, persuades or influences any person to take part in, or otherwise acts in furtherance of, a lock-out, strike or irregular industrial action short of a strike that is unlawful under this section shall be liable to a civil penalty as may be imposed by the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal.
“Dated the 18th day of July, 2024. The Hon. Jason P Hayward JP, MP | Minister of Economy and Labour.”
The notice was just released, and Bernews asked BELCO for comment this evening and will update as able.
Update 11.40pm:BELCO President Wayne Caines said: “BELCO’s dispute with the ESTU has been referred to the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal by the Minister of Economy and Labour. I am optimistic that the Tribunal’s decision on these issues will enable us to continue to work together to provide a reliable supply of electricity. BELCO’s legacy is built on a valued workforce and a customer-centric approach, and those guiding principles will not waver. While this tribunal is ongoing, we will respect the confidentiality of the parties involved and will not seek to resolve this matter through the press.”
