PSA: We’ll bring more foreigners

This was disclosed by PSA president Watson Duke yesterday. The PSA invited two officials from the Union of Taxation Employees of Canada to speak to Customs and Board of Inland Revenue workers about the Canadian model of the Revenue Authority. The customs and tax sections were both merged in 1999 under the Canada Revenue Agency but six years later were separated.

National President of the Union of Taxation Employees and Senior Labour Relations Officer Shane O’Brien spoke to workers on Tuesday at the Brian Lara Promenade, but police on Thursday, warned them from speaking again. Duke and the Canadians (O’Brien and Betsy Bannon — president of the Union of Taxation Employees of Canada) were told they had to get permission from Commissioner of Police James Philbert to address a public meeting.

Duke yesterday said that Betsy Bannon and O’Brien left TT aboard a 9.30 am flight to Canada and there was no problems reported to the PSA. There was no police at the Financial Complex yesterday when workers resumed their lunch hour “exercise” walk.

They walked east along the promenade and proceeded up Frederick Street, across Park Street and then up Abercromby Street to PSA headquarters, where Duke addressed them. Duke told the workers to clap themselves for their good show of effort in maintaining their resolve. “They are trying to wear you down and frustrate your expectations”.

He said the three offers, voluntary separation of employment package (VSEP), transfer to other posts in the public service or transfer to the TTRA, were back on the table. Duke said the three options must be given. “If it is VSEP alone we are not negotiating”.

The PSA president said a process must be used for workers going over to the TTRA but, “under no circumstances must persons sign up for re-employment”.

He said the process must be free and fair. On Monday customs and BIR workers resume their demonstration and on Tuesday Duke said the PSA will be in the Senate.

The PSA’s second vice-president Christopher Joefield is a UNC temporary senator and will make a contribution when debate on the TTRA Bill starts.