KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) is raising concerns over the Government’s proposal to remove the General Consumption Tax (GCT) exemption from the motor vehicle duty concession currently available to certain categories of public officers.

The JCTU in a media release on Monday, said while it recognises the Government’s responsibility to strengthen revenue performance, it is concerned that this 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. Eligible officers have relied on this arrangement in planning their vehicle acquisition and replacement within established eligibility cycles. This is not a peripheral perk — it is a structured benefit with direct implications for personal financial planning,” the JCTU added.

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The JCTU also called for urgent consultations with the Government to examine the full impact of this proposed change, including its effect on travelling officers, the mobility requirements of the public service, and the broader compensation framework.

The confederation said it is scheduled to meet with the government on Friday, March 13, at which these matters will be addressed.

The JCTU further noted 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 said a significant increase in the cost of vehicle acquisition will not only affect individual officers but the operational capacity of the public service itself.

“The confederation is particularly concerned that this proposal was advanced without prior consultation with the trade unions representing the affected employees. Benefits embedded in the compensation framework cannot be altered unilaterally. Sound industrial relations demand dialogue, transparency, and proper assessment of the impact on workers and service delivery,” it said.

The confederation further said this proposal has emerged during active public sector wage negotiations.

“The claims tabled by the confederation were developed on the basis of the existing compensation and benefits framework. Altering an established benefit mid-negotiation constitutes a material change to the basis on which those negotiations have been conducted. The JCTU will accordingly review and adjust its negotiating position to reflect the implications of the Government’s proposed action,” said the JCTU.

The JCTU said it remains committed to constructive dialogue and stands ready to engage in discussions that balance fiscal responsibility with the legitimate interests of public sector workers.