ORANJESTAD (AAN) – SEPPA Continues to Push for Collective Agreement and Necessary Funding, said Magaly Brito, on the ongoing labor issues at Arubus NV. Aside from the employment issues, Arubus NV is also facing complaints related to the buses’ breakdowns, with workers claiming that, not only do the materials need to be “on top” to ensure the buses function properly, but the health and well-being of the workers must also be taken into account.
Magaly Brito from SEPPA emphasized that Arubus is generating more revenue due to increased usage of their services, but this is not enough to cover the large debt accumulated over many years. She pointed out that while the situation is ongoing, the workers have complaints about the golden handshake agreements with directors. These funds have disappeared from Arubus and have not been reinvested into the company.
It’s true that the infrastructure presents many challenges. Currently, one person is managing and helping to keep the company afloat. On the other hand, it’s understandable that due to the company’s large debt, it’s not easy to find a new director. At the moment, whoever takes on the role becomes responsible for the accumulated debt.
Brito further emphasized that the Raad (the government body overseeing public services) should also be responsible for implementing plans and providing oversight. She mentioned that previously, SEPPA had sent a letter to the Raad asking for clarification on their intentions and confirming their stance on the collective agreement negotiations, as well as whether they were requesting government funding to resolve the situation.
The Raad’s response was that their role is only to manage the leadership. According to Brito, this is like a “ping pong” game, where blame and responsibility are passed from one to another — whether it’s management, the Raad, or the Ministry. “Everyone is playing the blame game on such an important issue as public transport,” Brito remarked.
She stated that SEPPA will continue with the next steps and has asked management to go back to the negotiation table, stressing that, while delays persist, the collective agreement must come into effect soon. Brito added that SEPPA is fully aware of the stakes, and at this moment, SEPPA is pushing for a solution on both the collective agreement and the necessary funding that they are demanding the government provide.
