Customs Director K9 Safety concerns have sparked protests from Customs K9 unit workers over decisions they claim endanger their personal security, according to Gilbert Maduro, President of the union SADA.
On Thursday afternoon, K9 unit workers from Aruba’s Customs Department held a protest action to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with how their personal safety is being treated. Maduro explained that the situation has been worrying and ongoing for around two years, beginning under the previous administration led by former Minister Xiomara Maduro. He says that the Customs Director made decisions without proper approval from the department, suggesting that workers feel their safety has not been valued. [union statement]
According to Maduro, the workers have repeatedly expressed that if the director’s decision remains in effect, they may hand over all materials used in their K9 work, including the dogs themselves. He said that initially the former minister was misinformed and sided with the director’s approach. In a later meeting, the workers presented documentation showing that the director had indeed misled the then‑minister. While the former minister acknowledged being misinformed, Maduro claimed that no disciplinary action was taken against the director nor efforts made to restore workplace peace.
After two years with no resolution, the workers sent an email to the director, but the response did not satisfy them. They then consulted the union SADA, which advised them on next steps and possible options.
Maduro noted that the current government has been aware of the situation since the cabinet was formed. However, after a year in office, the present minister has also not yet taken action to instruct the director to resolve the issue, which Maduro believes could be fixed.
The head of the Human Resources Department, Omaira Lares, has indicated willingness to assist in finding a solution. Maduro emphasized that because the Customs Director is in a powerful position, giving orders without oversight, the problem has not been resolved yet, but they hope it will be addressed quickly.
In closing, Maduro warned that if no solution is reached, Aruba could suffer harm. He stressed that even though the K9 unit is not large, it plays a critical role in national security and control, and its weakening could negatively impact commerce and public safety.
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