WILLEMSTAD - Interim Minister of Finance Charles Cooper confirms that the Tax Department (Servisio di Impuesto) is open and operating normally today, despite earlier reports suggesting the offices would close due to building safety concerns.

Minister Cooper clarifies that while the ABVO union has raised several issues, three of the four points mentioned in the union’s letter are matters to be handled internally by the Head of the Tax Service or the Secretary-General of the Ministry, rather than by the minister himself.

The Minister also notes that he will bring employees’ concerns—particularly those related to consultants and external staff working within the Tax Department—to the Council of Ministers during its upcoming Thursday meeting.

“No Work, No Pay” Policy in Effect

Minister Cooper reiterates that he respects the right of workers to strike and does not intend to obstruct any employee from exercising that right. However, he stresses that the “No Work, No Pay” rule is being applied to anyone who chooses not to work today.

“Employees have every right to voice their concerns, but those who choose not to work must also accept that they will not be paid for that day,” the Minister says.

With this clarification, the Ministry of Finance confirms that the Tax Department continues its normal operations, while internal discussions are ongoing to address the union’s safety and workplace concerns through the appropriate administrative channels.