Chamber: Rest Day hurts TT

Actions like the “day of rest” proposed by the Public Services Association (PSA) for the Government’s tax and customs staff hurt the whole country, according to Chamber of Industry and Commerce CEO Gabriel Faria yesterday.

PSA head Watson Duke has urged staff of the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) and Customs and Excise Division to stay home tomorrow and Friday, as he opposed the creation of a TT Revenue Authority that, he argues, could threaten jobs at the BIR and Customs.

Faria disagreed. “Our position is that in the current climate we need to be practical as to what can or can’t be afforded.

“It’s clear that the country is going through a very difficult time.” He said the reality was that costs had gone up and the country’s exchange-rate had depreciated.

“It is unfortunate that, as opposed to trying to come to the table to see how we could get over this, institutions and organisations are taking a very selfish perspective.

“It makes it harder for people to find jobs because people are not investing. So I think that those types of decisions are counterproductive and I hope good sense will prevail.”

Finance Minister Colm Imbert told Newsday he would meet Duke next week to discuss the Revenue Authority.

A statement from the ministry’s permanent secretary said tomorrow and Friday were normal working days and outlined the rules on staff absences under the Civil Service Act Regulations.

Duke in a statement broadcast “live” on social media yesterday, said the PSA viewed the ministry’s statement as a “veiled threat.” Saying the workers are not afraid to take whatever action is needed in defence of their jobs. “The workers know the rules and how to make full use of the rule. Thursday and Friday are a holiday.”