The PNG Trade Union Congress has welcomed the tax relief announced in the 2008 Budget but stressed that more are needed be done.
“We welcome the tax relief offered to ordinary workers earning salary below K7,000 and marginal tax cut for those earning higher salaries” Michael Malabag, union president , said yesterday.
But he said there was more that needs to be done especially the hefty 35% tax on the superannuation for retrench workers.
“That is one area that we want and will be calling on the Government to cut-out altogether.”
Mr Malabag said workers especially civil servants who have given loyal service to the Government of the day were the ones affected when getting their superannuation benefits.
He said the tax relief announced by the Treasurer Patrick Pruaitch was the tax concerns raised by the Trade Union with the Prime Minister two months ago and the PNGTUC was happy that the Government had taken the union’s concerns and factored it in the 2008 Budget.
Mr Malabag, who is also the president of the Public Employees Association, said he would not comment on the civil servants increases announced in the Budget until the Public Employees Association (PEA) and Personnel Management and Public Service Minister Peter O’Neill signed an agreement today.