Central Bank to pay almost $27,000 after tribunal rules termination was unfair and unjustified

By Zoila Palma:  The Essential Services Arbitration Tribunal has ruled that the termination of Central Bank of Belize employee Dapheen Bowen was unjustified and procedurally unfair, awarding her BZ$26,998.50 in compensation.

The decision followed a dispute brought by the Christian Workers Union (CWU) on Bowen’s behalf after the parties exhausted the grievance procedures under their Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Bowen had worked at the Central Bank for approximately 19 years as a senior clerk in the Economic Data Management Unit before her employment was terminated in June 2025 following disciplinary proceedings related to a personal social media post.

After reviewing evidence and submissions from both sides, the Tribunal found that the Bank failed to comply with disciplinary procedures under Article 7 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, including the requirement to provide Bowen with written notice of the complaint and an opportunity to respond before disciplinary action was taken.

The Tribunal also found that the disciplinary process did not comply with the suspension and dismissal procedures established under the agreement and failed to meet the requirements of natural justice.

It further determined that the circumstances did not justify invoking the agreement’s exigency exception and concluded that termination was a disproportionate sanction. Although reinstatement was considered, the Tribunal determined that it was not practical because of the breakdown in the employment relationship and the time that had passed since Bowen’s dismissal.

The Tribunal therefore declared Bowen’s termination unfair and unjustified and awarded her BZ$26,998.50, subject to applicable statutory deductions.

The Labour Department subsequently reminded employers that collective bargaining agreements form an integral part of employment relationships and must be followed when handling disciplinary matters.

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