WILLEMSTAD - Curacaoan unions find it very disappointing that they were unable to speak with Secretary of State Alexandra van Huffelen during her visit to the island last week. Kenneth Valpoort, a member of the National Dialogue representing the unions, stated this. Van Huffelen extensively discussed the progress of the reform of social and labor laws on the island with the Minister of SOAW. She also met with local entrepreneurs. The unions also wanted to sit down with Van Huffelen because they demand that there be sufficient protection for the working class in social reforms. They regret that there was no room for discussion.
For some time now, the unions have not received any information from the government in the National Dialogue about the reforms. To make matters worse, Van Huffelen stated during the press conference in Curacao that there is a need to continue social reforms and that she extensively discussed with Minister Ruthmilda Larmonie-Cecilia of SOAW about the aspect of reform and providing social security in the labor market. The unions also wanted to participate in this discussion, Valpoort said.