WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government is grappling with a financial dilemma stemming from a 2016 agreement made with the teachers’ union SITEK. The agreement includes retroactive salary increases and promotions for educators dating back to 2016, many of which have yet to be implemented. 

The government has acknowledged that these financial obligations pose a risk to the budget of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. While there is an intention to cover the costs within the existing budget, no concrete decision has been made on how the commitments will be funded. 

SITEK continues to press for full implementation of the agreement, which also includes shorter workweeks, additional vacation days, and career advancements for both teachers and support staff. The union has criticized the delays and the ongoing lack of clarity regarding the government’s plan to fulfill its promises. 

"A structural solution still appears to be out of reach for now," the union stated.