A former Pro Graphic worker says he and several colleagues are still seeking employment payments they believe remain outstanding after Interprint ended their jobs.
In an account reported by 24ora, José Texeira said the dispute includes salary, notice-period compensation, bonuses and accrued vacation benefits. His claims have not been independently verified, and the source report did not include responses from Interprint, an insurer or the union he referenced.
Worker describes years of company changes
Texeira said he arrived in Aruba in 1998 and first worked for VAD on L.G. Smith Boulevard. According to his account, the operation later changed hands several times, including periods under Oranjestad Printing, Jolly Holding and ultimately Pro Graphic/Interprint.
He said the employees moved with the business through those transitions and did not receive severance at each change because the workforce was taken over by the succeeding operation.
Claims followed a 2023 fire
According to Texeira, a fire affected the Pro Graphic premises in 2023 and damaged two machines. He said employees were unable to carry out their normal work for roughly a year.
Texeira told 24ora that workers received a verbal assurance that insurance would cover 52 weeks of salary. He alleges that the full promised period was not paid. He also said packages were proposed to six employees after approximately six months but were later withdrawn because the total was considered too costly.
His account identifies the final three months of salary, four months connected to the notice period, a bonus, vacation pay and unused leave as amounts that he believes remain unresolved. These figures represent the former employee’s position and have not been established by a court decision in the information reviewed by ArubaNews.
Part of the compensation was recovered
Texeira said the affected workers eventually hired a private lawyer in October 2024 after their union was unable to resolve the matter. He reported that the group paid more than Afl. 6,000 in legal expenses and later obtained severance payments.
Now retired, Texeira says he continues to seek the remaining compensation he considers due. The source report does not identify a scheduled hearing, settlement deadline or official decision on the outstanding claims.
Source: Information based on José Texeira’s account as reported by 24ora.
