PSU Seeks Public Services Commission’s Intervention in Belize Revenue Authority Transition

In another matter coming out of the Public Service Union, the group is now asking the Public Services Commission to intervene in Revenue Authority transition.  The Public Service Union has written to the Public Services Commission seeking clarity on its role in the proposed transition of the Belize Tax Service Department into the Belize Revenue Authority.

The union says more than 200 public officers could be affected by a recruitment process requiring them to apply for positions within the new authority. Successful applicants would leave the public service, while the Government has promised that unsuccessful applicants would be placed in comparable posts elsewhere in the public service.  The PSU argues that decisions involving appointments, transfers, removal from office and pension benefits fall under the constitutional authority of the Public Services Commission. It says it has found no evidence that the commission was consulted before the Revenue Authority Bill was introduced.  The union is particularly concerned about how an officer’s departure would be classified, arguing that being treated as having resigned instead of leaving through the abolition of a post could significantly affect pension benefits.  The PSU has asked the commission to confirm whether it was consulted, what positions are available for displaced officers and how it intends to advise on their pensions.

Government has maintained that affected officers will receive compensation for their public service and that those not recruited will be placed elsewhere. Implementation is not expected before October.