The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU), is calling for urgent consultations with the government, to examine the full impact of the proposal, to remove the GCT exemption from motor-vehicle-duty-concession, for certain categories of public officers.

The JCTU and the government, are scheduled to meet on friday, and the matters are expected to be discussed.

The JCTU notes that while it recognizes the government’s responsibility to strengthen revenue performance, it’s concerned that the measure would materially reduce an established benefit that forms part of the structured compensation of public sector employees.

The motor vehicle duty concession is a long-standing component of the public service compensation framework.

The confederation noted that eligible officers have relied on this arrangement in planning their vehicle acquisition and replacement within established eligibility cycles.

The JCTU underscored that the concession is not a peripheral perk but a structured benefit with direct implications for personal financial planning.

The JCTU also emphasized that many public officers, particularly travelling officers, use their personal vehicles to carry out official duties across the island, including field operations, inspections, regulatory functions, and service delivery in rural and remote communities.

It disclosed that a significant increase in the cost of vehicle acquisition would affect not only individual officers but the operational capacity of the public service itself.

The confederation also noted that it is particularly concerned that the proposal was advanced without prior consultation with the trade unions representing the affected employees.

It underscored that benefits embedded in the compensation framework cannot be altered unilaterally.

The JCTU outlined that sound industrial relations demand dialogue, transparency, and proper assessment of the impact on workers and service delivery.

It further noted that the proposal has emerged during active public sector wage negotiations.

The JCTU expressed that the claims tabled by the confederation were developed on the basis of the existing compensation and benefits framework.

It clarified that altering an established benefit mid-negotiation constitutes a material change to the basis on which those negotiations have been conducted.

The JCTU said it will accordingly review and adjust its negotiating position to reflect the implications of the government’s proposed action.

The JCTU wants urgent consultations with the government to examine the full impact of the proposed change, including its effect on travelling officers, the mobility requirements of the public member unions , service, and the broader compensation framework.