WILLEMSTAD - The management of the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) and the National Association of Medical Professionals in Employment (LVMPiDC) have initiated a temporary media silence as both parties remain in conflict over changes to employment contracts. The association has threatened to take action, while the hospital is considering legal steps. CMC emphasizes that its focus is on maintaining a calm and productive work environment during ongoing negotiations.
The medical professionals disagree with the unilateral adjustments to their contracts, particularly regarding their salaries. CMC argues that it is simply implementing the Public Sector Top-Income Regulation (LNT), which will take effect on January 1, 2025, capping top salaries in the public sector at a maximum of 386,000 guilders per year. The specialists feel their input in the process has been ignored and have threatened to take action if the situation does not change.
The LVMPiDC has presented plans for a work-to-rule action and, if necessary, further measures such as limiting services to emergency care only. In response, the hospital has previously indicated that it may pursue legal action, likely in the form of an urgent court procedure. However, the current media silence suggests an attempt at dialogue, though this has not been explicitly confirmed.
The media silence will remain in effect until there is more clarity on the situation. Both the hospital and the medical specialists have stated that updates will be provided at that time. The dispute is not only affecting the healthcare professionals and their employer, but it also has the potential to impact patients, particularly regarding the availability of elective care.