P.S.U. and Ministry of Finance at Impasse over Belize Tax Services

Joseph Waight

There a new issue that is bubbling; the Public Service Union is at loggerheads with the Ministry of Finance following the amalgamation of the Belize Tax Services Department.  In a release issued by the P.S.U. dated today, January thirty-first, the union states that it has reached an impasse with the ministry in resolving several issues of concern, including a request by the union for a permanent seat on the Project Steering Committee, to ensure transparency and accountability, as well as to safeguard the best interest of public officers in the amalgamated departments.  The union has now registered its impasse with the Labour Commissioner by declaring a trade dispute. Meetings will be held countrywide with union branches to determine the course of intended industrial action. We asked FinSec Waight for a comment this morning.

Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary

“Well change is always difficult, I mean it is and I imagine that some people who may have expectations that have not materialized but there has been no complaint or no grievance filed by anyone so far and we are waiting to see the nature of it.  I mean we are hearing things about disgruntlement and perhaps disrespect, according to the union, but we want to see the concrete what is so we can try to address it.  Every member of staff is valuable and we try to address their concerns but bring the concrete, you know, and we prefer to deal with this not in the public or in the press but across the table, face to face, to see what we can do to resolve any issues that may be, but we really need some clarity.”

Isani Cayetano

“You will correct me if I am wrong, however, I’ve been made to understand that certain concerns were brought to your attention prior to the amalgamation and the response was that you were dismissive of these concerns being brought to your attention.”

Joseph Waight

“I wouldn’t characterize anything I do as dismissive but it’s their view and we try to address it but the thing is, are the expectations realistic.  We went to great pains to explain what the amalgamation was about.  There were country tours by management to each office, both offices at the time to explain and we went to great lengths.  Now, if that’s not sufficient, come back please because we are prepared to listen.”