ORANJESTAD (AAN): This week, the Restart of Social Dialogue in Aruba was received positively by various unions who participated in a recent meeting with the Government.
Union representatives emphasized the importance of maintaining a structured platform to discuss social and economic issues crucial to the country.
More than 21 unions participated in the Restart of Social Dialogue in Aruba, which began on February 22nd.
Hose Figaroa, President of FTA, indicated that social dialogue has always been an essential tool when important decisions need to be made. According to Figaroa, the opportunity to listen to and exchange viewpoints between the Government, unions, and other community actors strengthens the governance process.
“Social dialogue is a positive step. The fact that there is an opportunity to hear opinions from different sectors of society is an important step forward,” Figaroa stated.
Rodney Solognier, representative of the SPA Union, expressed optimism regarding the resumption of the platform. He emphasized that the union views positively the willingness to address issues such as the minimum wage, the General Pension Law, and other matters that have a direct impact on workers.
“The dialogue is a good start. The most important thing is that there is space for our viewpoints to be presented and considered,” Solognier pointed out.
On his part, Jayburtt Dijkhoff, PhD, advisor for the TOPA union, highlighted that the Restart of Social Dialogue in Aruba after a period of interruption is a positive signal for institutional communication.
“It is extremely positive when the Government calls on unions, employers’ representatives, and other organizations to sit at the table. It is an important platform for feedback,” Dijkhoff expressed.
He mentioned that among the topics discussed were the revision of the General Pension Law and proposals for a law to support families with children needing intensive care. According to Dijkhoff, these issues represent the beginning of a broader discussion on social protection and welfare.
Dijkhoff also noted that the Government indicated its intention to gather additional feedback and continue the process in a structured manner, providing space for further reflection and contributions from various sectors.
Unions expressed their willingness to continue actively participating in the next phase of the Restart of Social Dialogue in Aruba, aiming to contribute to decisions that strengthen stability, social protection, and sustainable development in Aruba.
Prime Minister Mike Eman chaired the dialogue, and the meeting was also attended by Minister of Finance and Economy Geoffrey Wever, Minister of Tourism and Labor Wendrick Cicilia, and Minister of Health and Social Affairs Mervin Wyatt Ras.
