WILLEMSTAD – In a press release the ABVO union states that it is dedicated to representing its members and fighting for workers' rights. While the union's task is not to create laws, it ensures that its members' rights are respected, and promises are kept. ABVO says it has worked according to the law and international trade union rules for the past 87 years to benefit its members. It does not seek to create chaos or harm its own members, and accusations made without any basis raise doubts about the union's realistic intentions.
Recently, customs officers visited the ABVO union headquarters seeking clarification about their legal position and the compensation promised to them. ABVO believes that the Management Team is not appreciating the work and sacrifice that customs officers have been making for Curaçao, especially given the shortage of customs officers in the department. The union is still waiting for the decision of the Minister of Finance to be taken by the Inspection and Tax Department, which will determine which direction the minister will take with these services.
ABVO says it has also reached a collective agreement with Fundashon Wega di Number Kòrsou after much effort. While the agreement is coming to an end, the union is waiting for the Minister of Finance to appoint members of the supervisory board at Fundashon Wega di Number Kòrsou to approve what was negotiated in the collective agreement. ABVO does not disclose internal sensitive information about an organization or an individual, as it is not competent in any way. The union only does what is right for its members and their legal position at work.
Regarding the multi-year budget that the Minister of Finance published on social media, ABVO says that the Minister is misinformed. There is a working group dealing with the government's obligations to its public employees, such as the 2020 wage increase and indexing for 2018 and 2019, as well as the 3% lump sum that still needs to be paid. ABVO asks the Minister of Finance to contact the Minister of Government Services to learn more about what is happening. It is important to know when payments will be made and whether the Minister of Finance has budgeted for these plans in the multi-year budget.
ABVO invites all members and those who understand and respect the value of ABVO to stay informed and not be misled by any false information circulating in the media. ABVO says it will continue to serve all that is beneficial to its members without neglecting its responsibility as a union. It is essential to be visible and position the union's thoughts well for its members, and ABVO will always strive to do so.