WILLEMSTAD - The Education Union DOEN has taken a stand against the government's recent decision to exclude them from the Central Organized Consultation in Civil Service Affairs. Marbella Felipa, chairperson of DOEN, penned a comprehensive four-page letter addressing this issue to Prime Minister Gilmar 'Pik' Pisas. This marks the second time the government has denied DOEN entry into the civil service consultation. Minister Ornelio 'Kid' Martina of Government Planning, Policy and Services (BPD) cited legal insufficiencies as the basis for their exclusion. Unyielding to this decision, Felipa has lodged a formal complaint and continues to gather signatures. Beyond school premises, signatures were also collected last Wednesday at Sambil and Thursday during Punda Vibes events.
At the heart of the discord between DOEN and Minister Martina lies the interpretation of the law. DOEN represents a significant number of teachers employed by special school boards. As per the current legal framework, these educators are classified as equivalents rather than civil servants. Consequently, DOEN falls short of the requirement to represent at least 193 civil servants. However, Felipa contends that all employment conditions discussed in the CGOA equally impact teachers in special education. Consequently, she seeks admission to the CGOA to advocate for these equivalents during discussions.