Belize tax workers strike over proposed Revenue Authority Bill

Employees of the Belize Tax Service Department (BTSD) staged a walkout on Wednesday, August 26, to protest the proposed Revenue Authority Bill, 2026. The legislation seeks to replace the current department with a semi-autonomous Revenue Authority.

The Public Service Union (PSU) and affected workers have raised concerns regarding job security, the protection of pensions, and the potential loss of Public Service Commission oversight. A primary point of contention is the concentration of power, with critics arguing the bill grants excessive control to the Minister of Finance and the chief executive officer over appointments and contracts, while offering limited authority to the proposed Advisory Board.

An analysis of the bill suggests high corroboration for the unions' concerns regarding governance structure and the concentration of authority. While the text provides less support for claims that the legislation explicitly wipes out existing employment and pension rights, the proposed shift in accountability remains a central issue for the striking workers.