WILLEMSTAD - David Seferina, a Member of Parliament representing the Movementu Futuro Kòrsou (MFK) faction, has raised concerns and sought clarification from Minister Ruthmilda Larmonie of Labor Affairs in a recent and intricate case.
Seferina's scrutiny began after he came across documents shared on the social media platform "Facebook." These documents suggest that Minister Larmonie-Cecilia might have redirected 1.3 million guilders to fund employment agency JobFlex. The purpose behind this payment appears to be aimed at reinforcing the Ministry of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare with 40 part-time employees, a move necessitated by the ministry's substantial backlog.
Seferina explains that while this decision seems empathetic and potentially beneficial in addressing the ministry's backlog, particularly given the departure of a significant number of civil servants due to early retirement, it also raises several pertinent questions. These inquiries include the future of these part-time contracts, as well as concerns about the job security and working conditions for these temporary workers.
The revelation that this employment agency has its headquarters registered in England has triggered community discussions. Some individuals argue that the expenditure involved in hiring 40 part-time workers through this agency is considerably high and could have been reduced by offering these workers permanent positions or a contract for services (OVO).
In light of these concerns, Seferina has submitted a series of questions to Minister Ruthmilda Larmonie Cecilia under Article 96 of the Parliament's Rules of Order. He aims to obtain clarity on several aspects of this case, including the following:
Awareness: Whether the Minister is aware of JobFlex's headquarters being based in England and the duration of the contract between the ministry and JobFlex.
Fiscal Destination: Clarification regarding the allocation of tax funds, whether they are transferred to England or remain in Curaçao, and the rationale for selecting an employment office with its headquarters in England rather than in Curaçao.
Cost Analysis: An explanation from the Minister about why she opted to engage JobFlex at a cost of £1.3 million for 40 part-time workers instead of providing these workers with an OVO, and insights into which approach would have been more favorable for the ministry.
Minister's Role: The Minister's perspective on her role in the Ministry of SOAW concerning labor practices and her efforts to prevent labor abuse while promoting collaboration with employment office.
Backlog Resolution: Whether the employment of these 40 part-time workers is expected to alleviate the existing backlog within the ministry.
Permanent Positions: The reasons for not offering these workers permanent positions and whether any vacant positions exist to fulfill the roles currently occupied by part-time employees.
Government Agreement: Awareness of the government agreement's stipulation regarding the limitation of employment office use in services where permanent positions are essentially required.
Emphasizing the Minister's obligation within Curaçao's constitutional framework to provide parliament members with essential information, Seferina awaits a response within the stipulated timeframe set forth in the protocol governing interactions between parliament and the government.