Unions Urge Halt to BTL–SMART Deal

Belize’s umbrella labor body urged an immediate pause of BTL’s proposed takeover of SMART, citing legal, valuation, and monopoly risks, as opposition politicians and unions protested, this week, outside BTL’s Belize City headquarters.

In a January 26 release, the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) said it does not support the acquisition of Speednet, which operates as SMART, by Belize Telemedia Limited at this time. The group framed the matter as a public-interest and governance issue, not merely a commercial transaction, and warned the process threatens workers, consumers, and regulatory integrity.

The NTUCB argued the valuation underpinning the deal lacks independence, stating the assessment was conducted by a firm with established ties to BTL and paid by the acquiring party. The Congress called for a fresh valuation by an accredited, independent technical entity that examines assets, financial performance, and the value of the customer base.

The labor body also raised competition concerns, pointing to Section 42 of the Telecommunications Act, which bars arrangements that substantially lessen competition. It said merging the dominant incumbent with its largest competitor risks creating a monopoly, weakening market discipline and limiting the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement once alternative providers disappear.

On employment and service continuity, the NTUCB said the transaction could lead to job losses at both companies and jeopardize redundancy services relied on by businesses. It noted no independent socio-economic impact study has been made public to assess effects on workers, consumers, or the broader national interest.

The Congress further questioned corporate governance at BTL, asserting that the board allowed a conflicted valuation process to proceed without sufficient independent scrutiny. It urged the chairman to step aside from the acquisition process and called for stronger fiduciary oversight.

The NTUCB linked the issue to public stewardship, noting that workers’ contributions held through the Social Security Board are invested in BTL. It warned that proceeding could expose public funds to undue risk.

As immediate steps, the organization called for a pause pending prior written approval from the Public Utilities Commission, which it said is required by law. It also urged a national consultation and legislative review to strengthen worker protections, consumer safeguards, corporate stability, and constitutional freedoms in a consolidated telecommunications landscape.

The Congress said it will continue engaging social partners and pursue lawful avenues to challenge the transaction in its current form. It highlighted that the Telecommunications Act allows the public to seek court orders to prevent unlawful mergers and compel regulatory compliance.

The NTUCB’s stance aligns with broader political opposition voiced earlier this month by the United Democratic Party. Opposition Leader Tracy Panton has argued the proposed transaction raises transparency, financing, and accountability concerns, particularly given BTL’s status as a public institution. Earlier this week, UDP representatives and union members staged a protest outside BTL’s headquarters in Belize City, calling for disclosure and stronger safeguards before any deal proceeds.