Union calls urgent meeting to address misconduct and government inaction

WILLEMSTAD - The teachers’ union DOEN has raised serious concerns about the mistreatment and underpayment of education workers by certain school boards on Curaçao. In a statement released this week, the union urged its members who face such abuses to attend a special meeting on Wednesday evening at PWFC headquarters.

According to DOEN, several school boards are exploiting legal loopholes to the detriment of teachers and staff, while the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (OWCS) has failed to intervene effectively.

Government Oversight Lacking

The union points out that a platform previously created to discuss labor-related issues in education was unilaterally shut down by sector director Wladimir Kleinmoedig. This decision, DOEN says, has left school boards “with free rein” to continue unfair practices without accountability.

“The ministry’s silence and lack of oversight have allowed systemic misuse to persist,” the union said. “Our educators deserve respect, fair pay, and lawful treatment — not exploitation.”

Union Promises Action

DOEN stressed that it will stand firmly with its members to combat these irregularities and push for reform in the education sector. The union says the upcoming meeting will be an opportunity for teachers to share their experiences and help shape a coordinated response.

“Our mission is clear,” DOEN stated. “Together with our members, we will stop these abuses and take strong action to protect the rights and dignity of all education workers.”

The union’s call comes amid growing frustration among teachers over delayed payments, unclear contracts, and inconsistent labor conditions — issues that continue to affect the stability of Curaçao’s education system.