WILLEMSTAD - Some of Damen Shiprepair's staff stopped work on Tuesday morning and blocked the company's entrance gate. The employees were dissatisfied, because their overtime hours were not paid, but instead converted into paid hours of leave.
The strike was soon over. Work was resumed on Tuesday afternoon.
Director Peter Luiten informed the media that consultations were taking place with the trade union led by National mediator Alfeo Profas. Those conversations will continue. The management did not want to disclose many details, as long as the negotiations are still underway.
During the meeting between the management team, the trade union, National Mediator, and Randolph Dois Gijsbertha of the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW), it was agreed that the employees will receive the withheld wages no later than Friday.
Damen wants an adjustment in the payment of overtime in connection with flexible work. However, every member of staff, a total of 120 employees, must agree to this. The management indicates that they will better comply with the existing collective agreements and will pay overtime.