By Belize Live News Staff: The Public Service Union has been fighting the Revenue Authority Bill for weeks, and the sticking point is what happens to the people currently doing the work.
Government has now set out its position.
Existing Belize Tax Service employees will have to apply for positions within the Belize Revenue Authority. The reason given is that the new body operates under a redesigned structure, with many existing posts and job descriptions replaced by roles carrying different responsibilities and competencies.
For those who get through, government says they will be compensated under the Pensions Act for their years of public service. A contributory pension plan is being developed with an actuary.
For those who do not, or who choose not to apply, government says they will be placed within the wider Public Service in positions matching the roles, salaries and benefits they held at BTS.
The Ministry says the restructuring targets positions rather than people, and that BTS staff bring institutional knowledge the new Authority will need.
The PSU has argued that its submissions were never presented to the committee that considered the Bill.
A response to the union’s August 10 letter was sent by the Financial Secretary on August 31.
Do you buy the assurances?
