PSU Declares Trade Dispute, Intends to Engage in Industrial Action

The Public Service Union (PSU) has declared a trade dispute with the Government of Belize over the proposed transition of the Belize Tax Services Department (BTSD) into a semi-autonomous revenue authority known as SARA.

PSU President, Dean Flowers, told News 5, “the results of last night’s meeting indicates that the Public Service Union is to declare a trade dispute with the Government of Belize and is to provide the Minister of Labor with a 21-day notice for intent to engage in industrial action.” 

“Industrial action comes in many forms… the final stage of any industrial action is strike action,” Flowers added. 

The union’s concerns focus on what it describes as a lack of consultation and transparency surrounding the transition to SARA. “This is the people’s tax department,” Flowers said. “You have a duty and a responsibility to communicate, to dialogue, and to respond.”

Flowers also challenged claims that BTSD staff support the move to SARA. He referenced a survey conducted by a consulting firm, which he said revealed widespread dissatisfaction. “Not only the staff but the wider Belizean public have a very negative view of SARA,” he said.