WILLEMSTAD – The union referendum at the Analytisch Diagnostisch Centrum (ADC) proceeded as planned yesterday, after the court dismissed an attempt by civil servants’ union ABVO to halt the process. The vote resulted in a victory for the healthcare workers’ union CBV, which will now represent the interests of ADC employees. 

ABVO had filed an urgent lawsuit against the Bureau Landsbemiddelaar Curaçao, objecting to the structure of the referendum. The union argued that staff and non-staff personnel should be treated as separate voting categories. The court, however, ruled in favor of the Bureau Landsbemiddelaar, allowing the referendum to go ahead as scheduled. 

Although ADC management and CBV were not targeted in the legal challenge, they were invited to attend the court session due to their involvement in the process. The judge delivered the verdict late in the evening on Thursday, just hours before the scheduled vote. 

Voting Took Place at APC Offices 

The referendum was held on Friday at the APC office complex on Schouwburgweg, with employees casting their votes between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The outcome saw CBV gaining the majority, officially becoming the union authorized to represent the workers of the national medical diagnostics lab. 

CBV chairperson Annaliza Suares-Mathilda, who had expressed confidence in the process despite the legal challenge, welcomed the result as a mandate for change and stronger advocacy for healthcare workers. 

A Pivotal Moment for Labor Representation 

The vote ended a period of tension between the unions and highlighted ongoing challenges in labor relations on the island. ABVO’s objections centered around procedural fairness, but the court emphasized the legitimacy of the Bureau Landsbemiddelaar’s approach. 

With the decision now made, CBV is expected to begin formal discussions on labor conditions and representation with ADC management in the coming weeks.