WILLEMSTAD - Representatives from labor unions and employer organizations have signed an agreement to meet at least once a month to discuss topics important for the development of the island. Local social partners, union federations, and the employer organization VBC have formalized this agreement. Edward St. Jacobs from SSK explained that there have been multiple instances where the monthly consultations between employers, unions, and the government were postponed for months. With this new agreement, employers and unions will at least meet regularly moving forward.
The parties also express hope that the agreement will lead to the government taking the so-called tripartite consultations more seriously. Several proposals are on the table to ensure that this important dialogue cannot be indefinitely postponed.