WILLEMSTAD – Minister Hato, in his capacity as Minister of Governance, Planning, and Public Service Management (BPD), has provided a solution to a challenge faced by the government concerning individuals who were receiving financial assistance and performing cleaning duties within the government in recent years. Over these years, these individuals were engaged in cleaning tasks as part of a one-year educational work program called "Un Bon Trabou" (A Good Job), initiated by the Ministry of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare (SOAW). This program has been ongoing for over eight years and has offered several positive opportunities for the participants.
However, many of these workers' involvement in the program had been extended for several years, putting the government in conflict with the principles of being a good employer. The workers in the program also voiced their dissatisfaction during a meeting where they were invited to express their concerns and requested clarity about how they were being treated. It became clear that this situation could no longer continue as it was.
After conducting several rounds of legal consultations and compiling documentation and information, Minister Hato determined that the current approach was unsustainable. He then developed a proposal to explore whether these individuals could be officially incorporated into government service under the prevailing laws and regulations. BPD's role is to provide such services, but the organization has had many years of unfilled vacancies for cleaning and maintenance staff, leading most ministries to rely on private cleaning companies. Considering the circumstances surrounding the cleaning staff in the educational work program and BPD's existing vacancies, it was evident that a solution could be achieved through this route.
Minister Hato subsequently evaluated whether, under the applicable laws and regulations, these individuals could be recruited. A financial assessment was also conducted to ensure the feasibility of paying the workers, and the results were favorable. Consequently, the proposal was presented to the Council of Ministers on Thursday, January 22, to resolve the matter, and it received full approval.
In accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations, workers with three or more years of service will immediately be offered permanent positions, while those with one to three years of service will receive a decree granting them temporary employment.
This solution ensures that the government continues to provide opportunities through SOAW's programs while strengthening BPD even further, adhering to the applicable regulations. Minister Hato extends his gratitude to the HRO and SSO departments, the ministerial staff of the BPD Ministry, and the BPD Minister’s cabinet for their tireless efforts on this matter.