WILLEMSTAD - Parliament must convene a public meeting as soon as possible to debate the increase of the vacation allowance for civil servants. That is the message from PAR parliamentarian Shaheen Elhage, who has formally requested action in a letter to parliamentary chairman Fergino Brownbill.
Elhage notes that the government pledged in 2023 to raise the vacation allowance for civil servants and comparable groups. However, the commitment was not fulfilled in 2024 due to budget constraints.
In 2025, a payment was made—6 percent instead of the promised 8 percent. The remaining 2 percent is scheduled to be disbursed in December, but only if the required legislation is passed in time.
Legislation Ready—but No Meeting Scheduled
The relevant amendment, the National Ordinance to Increase Vacation Allowances 2025, was discussed in the Central Committee on 18 November. The following day, Parliament received the government’s response, and the law is now ready for public debate.
Despite this, no public meeting has been scheduled.
“No Justification for Further Delay”
Given the urgency, Elhage argues that there is no valid reason for additional postponement. He is urging Brownbill to schedule the debate without delay so Parliament can fulfill its responsibility and ensure the regulation is approved in time.
The issue affects thousands of public-sector workers awaiting clarity on the overdue payment.