The Public Services Association (PSA) intends to appeal a High Court ruling, which went in favor of the government and its plan to introduce the TT Revenue Authority (TTRA).
On Friday, High Court Judge Westmin James dismissed the case brought by the PSA through its member, customs officer Terrisa Dhoray.
In the substantive lawsuit, Dhoray was challenging the constitutional validity of the T&T Revenue Act 2021.
The PSA, in a statement following their loss, confirmed their intent to appeal.
They said the issues are of fundamental public and constitutional importance because it concerns the Government’s ability to whittle down the public service and transfer officers into a statutory corporation under its control.
“The constitution is an important check and balance on the exercise of rampant government power. We view the TTRA as an encroachment of the rights of workers in the public service and a violation of the constitution,” the PSA stated.
They said although Justice James dismissed the claim, he clarified that officers in the Enforcement Division of the TTRA must comprise public officers appointed by the Public Service Commission (PSC)
“We have therefore instructed our attorneys to appeal this judgement and seek a further stay of the implementation of the TTRA to allow justice and due process to take its course.
The PSA said it recommits itself to protecting, defending and vindicating the rights of workers and will leave no stone unturned in its quest for justice.