WILLEMSTAD - On November 8, 2023, the Court issued a series of rulings that favor the United Protestant Christian Education (VPCO) in four disputes with the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. The cases involve compensation for additional salary costs, the adequacy of education funding, overdue payments, and claims of unequal treatment.
In the first dispute, the ruling states that the Minister of Education must bear the additional salary costs for promoting 12 teachers-A to a higher scale after five years of experience and positive evaluation, even if that experience was gained in the Netherlands, Aruba, or Bonaire.
Secondly, the Court has determined that the minister has not provided adequate compensation for the school years 2019/2020 through 2022/2023, a deficiency that is poignant given the rising costs and the static stance of the ministry.
Thirdly, it is determined that the minister is not owed money by VPCO for the period 2009/2010 through 2019/2020, with the court critically examining the minister's long-standing negligence in settling accounts promptly.
In the fourth dispute, VPCO's claim of unequal funding is partially acknowledged, with the finding that the minister is not transparent in settling accounts with DOS, another educational institution.
The verdict now puts the ball in the minister's court to come up with new advance payment decisions and ensure clear, fair funding for education. The minister will also need to issue a new decision establishing VPCO's right to personnel and material costs, with a clear motivation and justification in light of the ruling.