The Board of Directors and the negotiation team of Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH), together with the ABV Union, have reached an agreement on a new Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) that will be valid from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. Negotiations began on April 14, and after 15 productive meetings, both parties expressed great satisfaction with the outcome, as the current CAO is set to expire on December 31, 2025.
“I am very proud of the hospital’s negotiation team and ABV for reaching this agreement within the stipulated time, ensuring positive steps toward recognizing our employees and maintaining HOH as a leading organization in Aruba,” said Mr. Vroegop, Chairman of the Board.
Board member Mr. Croeze added, “We are pleased that together we can strengthen the work-life balance of our employees. Congratulations to everyone!”
Another board member, Mr. Casseres, shared his excitement: “It’s a special moment for me to sign my first CAO as a board member—a great result of teamwork and mutual trust.”
Ms. Croes, Chair of the negotiation team, also expressed pride: “As a first-time team leader, I’m proud of the outcome. Our discussions were open, understanding, and aimed at achieving a balanced agreement that benefits both employees and the organization.”
Ms. Maduro, President of ABV, concluded: “HOH and ABV are setting an example for all employers in Aruba. This CAO emphasizes a balance between work and personal life and promotes a sustainable work culture for all employees.”
Key points of the new CAO include:
- Plan to introduce a 36-hour workweek, pending feasibility studies.
- Increased bereavement leave: from 6 to 10 days for immediate family, and from 3 to 5 days for parents.
- Night shift exemptions: New mothers are exempt from night shifts for 9 months after childbirth, and employees aged 60 and above are no longer required to work night shifts.
- Paternity leave increased from 2 to 10 days.
- Extra vacation day upon turning 60.
- Access to psychological counseling for all employees.
- Up to 5 unpaid personal days per year to maintain work-life balance.
- Option to receive overtime pay or compensatory time off.
- “On-call” rest period increased from 6 to 8 hours.
- Loyalty bonus paid even in cases of work incapacity due to occupational accidents.
- 30 years of service reward equal to one month’s salary.
- Annual bonuses in January and November.
- Salary indexation scheduled for January 2026.
The hospital emphasized that this agreement reflects a shared commitment to employee well-being, fairness, and sustainable workplace practices.
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