WILLEMSTAD – The teachers' union DOEN has expressed frustration with the government over the lack of explanation regarding the "tredemaand" (bonus month) for teachers. According to union president Marbella Felipa, multiple requests since January 2024 for a meeting with Minister Shalten Hato, responsible for Public Administration, Planning, and Services, have gone unanswered. As a result, the union has decided to engage directly with all political parties participating in the upcoming elections. 

Teachers Left Without Bonus Month 

During a recent meeting, the union outlined key concerns, with the right to the tredemaand as a priority. Felipa emphasized that teachers, like other government employees, are entitled to this benefit. In October 2024, the GOA (Government Platform Agreement) recognized January 2024 as the performance year, meaning employees who worked at least seven months between January and July 2024 should qualify for the tredemaand. 

However, in practice, government employees in other sectors have already received their full bonus month, while teachers have not received anything. This has led to growing frustration among educators. The union also pointed out an internal directive stating that employees with at least six months of service are eligible for the tredemaand, further proving that the education sector is being overlooked in key government decisions. 

Union Calls for Immediate Action 

Despite commitments from civil service unions SAP and Straf, which signed the agreement in October 2024, teachers have yet to receive any clarification or payments. The DOEN union continues to push for discussions and is urging political parties to take a stance and provide transparency on the issue.