WILLEMSTAD - The government provides more clarity on the emergency fund for companies and the self-employed who are victims of measures to prevent an outbreak of Covid-19 on the island. More than 1,300 people have registered for this.
This was announced by Minister Hensley Koeiman of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) during a government press conference about the latest developments around Covid-19. Koeiman emphasized that employers and employees must come together out of a situation “that we did not cause ourselves.” “Everyone knows this is the case worldwide. We need to find a healthy and sensible solution based on empathy, solidarity and responsibility.”
That goes for employers, but just as much for employees. Because anyone who now stands firm and demands a full salary, will soon be in trouble. “Don't be penny wise, pound foolish,” says Koeiman. “It is of no use to destroy a company, because then you will lose your job anyway. However, an employer should not just lay off staff. If the company can start up again, it will lose the good, skilled employees.”
The Ministry of SOAW is overloaded with calls to number 9320 from people who have questions about employment matters. The lines became overcrowded, which is why more employees and appliances are now engaged. “There is a lot of fear about how employee interests are safeguarded,” said Koeiman. The extent to which the Ministry of SOAW is able to register and assist all people who are in trouble depends on how long the crisis lasts.
“Let's hope two or three months and no longer,” said Dois Gijsbertha of SOAW. “Otherwise, the consequences will be even more devastating.” Gijsbertha advocates a dialogue between employer and employee. The Ministry acts as an intermediary in case of malicious practices. The aim is to keep as many people as possible at work. “Call and register the complaint. Then we will take action without mentioning the name of the declarant.”
The motto is to remain calm and respect the law. Gijsbertha emphasizes that there are enough companies of good will. As an example, he mentions a company that has agreed in consultation with the staff to pay 75 percent of the salary. A food importer pays part of the wages with a package of products. “Do nothing thoughtlessly and recklessly,” Gijsbertha tells business owners. “When we have finished this challenge, we need to see how we return to a healthy situation.”
SOAW has categorized the sources of unrest, such as: dismissal without payment, shortening working hours, compulsory unpaid leave, losing the right to vacation and without consultation reducing wages. “Legislation clearly stipulates the conditions under which a person may be fired,” says Gijsbertha.
“Only if there is a mutual agreement can a dismissal follow, otherwise a permit must be applied for. It is not possible to go home without a salary. Employers should be able to pay out at least the month of March.”
The starting point of the mediation by SOAW is that employers and employees find a solution together. But some things are simply not possible. Gijsbertha: “It is not possible to have someone who is required to be put in quarantine on holidays. This person is not ill and cannot do anything about it.”
But there are also workers who try to abuse the situation. Gijsbertha cites people who perform a vital function as an example. “Then you can't just stay at home. That is absenteeism. We have spoken to such a company staff and they are back to work.” There will be more information about the eligibility criteria for the emergency fund and the amount involved.
