In an interview with DIARIO, Minister of Education Gerlien Croes provided detailed clarification on the legislation regulating teacher salary increases in Aruba. She emphasized that salary scaling for education personnel is governed by a separate law, different from that of other civil servants, and noted that the system is complex with multiple levels.
According to the Minister, about ten years ago a process began to introduce a job evaluation framework (functiehuis) in education, which aimed to assess teachers’ qualifications and experience to determine their pay scale. However, the process stalled due to concerns that it would create major salary discrepancies between teachers and other government employees with similar levels of education. As a result, progress on salary adjustments in education came to a halt.
During the 2024 government formation, union SIMAR submitted a proposal to a special commission, highlighting three key issues:
- Pay inequality: Primary school teachers still earn about 1,000 florins less per month than their secondary school counterparts.
- Lack of career development policies: Unlike other civil service sectors, education has no linked professional development or promotion policies.
- Budget constraints: No funds were reserved in the 2025 budget for salary adjustments.
Minister Croes explained that funds have now been included in the 2026 budget, presented to Parliament on September 1, 2025, with the intention to simplify the salary scale system and provide clearer pathways for teachers’ career growth.
She added that Minister of Economic Affairs Geoffrey Wever confirmed positive economic growth, allowing additional resources to be allocated to education. The Ministry of Finance is currently analyzing the proposals to ensure that any salary increases will be implemented in a structural and sustainable way for the coming years.
Photo Credits: https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/minister-di-educacion-ta-duna-claridad-riba-aumento-salarial-pa-docentenan
