Government and PSU Trade Blame Over Revenue Authority Readiness

Was the consultation over the Revenue Authority Bill meaningful, or merely a box-ticking exercise? The PSU says government invited workers to participate, then advanced the legislation without ensuring their concerns reached the review committee. The union also questions whether the transition process is ready. But Prime Minister John Briceño is pushing back, arguing that the PSU did not meet its responsibilities within the required timeframe.

 

Prime Minister John Briceño 

“I have great respect for the Public Service Union as a whole, but we need to understand something, we ended to make something very clear, government sets policy. The unions look after its membership and when I go into the House I will spell out exactly what we have done to keep the unions in place. The president of the union was a part of the team that reviewed this every step of the way, all the way up until June and July and then I have it on record that they were asked to submit what changes they want to do. They put in none. I am talking about June. They were suppose to put in something by July, mid July. We extended it some more and the7y still did not put in anything to the committee that was working on it. The Chamber did and the only change the Chamber was recommending was the change to ensure that the employees at the tax service are protected. That those that stay in government can stay in government and those that leave to work at SARA will be able to have the same, will be able work under the same conditions they were working under government and we made the arrangements to make sure that can happen. I am told now they did, but they did not go to House Committee. It is their responsibility, once it goes to Houe committee for them to show up. But they never did. We still hope we can work with them we want to work with them.”

 

PM Briceño is adamant that the bill must proceed through the National Assembly to realize the necessary efficiencies.

 

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