But the Union leader is more circumspect on the issue of increased taxes. The Financial Secretary has already put it out there that government will be taxing you more in the new fiscal year. Of course, a large portion of those taxes go to paying the wage bill for public officers and teachers. How much? Well the salaries and pensions combine to cost about 40 million dollars monthly, which makes up 42% of all public spending and 48% of all revenue. So basically, 50 cents of every dollar government earns goes to pay the wage bill. And maybe that's why Palacio said the union is willing to work with government, but only if GOB is serious:...
Luke Palacio, President - BNTU
"And so that is fact that we have been saying it, taxes will be increased. In fact the Fin. Sec. has alluded to that and there will be other things to come. That we need to monitor and of course if in deed our government is serious about ensuring that our economy turns around and performs well for the benefit of the Belizean people, we would be the first to say yes, let us support certain measures. But you cannot be saying to me cut the fat, trim the fat and yet you are getting fatter. That cannot work."
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