The FUTURO wage position supports higher minimum pay but calls for measures that avoid making Aruba more expensive, party leader and minister Gerlien Croes said after a Tuesday audience with Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt, according to Diario’s November 4 report.
Croes calls for renewed business talks
Croes proposed returning to the table with business organisations to discuss the wage proposal and possible changes that could ease their costs. She said businesses differ in their ability to absorb higher payroll costs, with smaller and medium-sized firms facing different pressures from larger companies.
Tax reform features in the discussion
The minister linked the debate to the coalition’s planned fiscal dialogue, including discussion of replacing BBO with a broader tax. She said Finance Minister Geoffrey Wever was working on that process while reports were awaited. No completed tax reform was announced.
Croes argued that Aruba’s dependence on imports makes price pressures particularly important. Her warning that additional wage costs could be passed on to consumers is a policy concern, not a confirmed price forecast. The report does not establish a final wage rate, an implementation date or an agreed compensation package.
Source: Diario original report.
Image: Conceptual editorial illustration, not a photograph of the reported people, location or event.
