WILLEMSTAD - Just before the start of the new school year in Curaçao, on Thursday, August 15, the education union DOEN has voiced its concerns over several persistent issues that remain unresolved.
Marbella Felipa, the union's president, is calling for urgent action from the Ministry of Education to address these problems. If not addressed, they could seriously harm the quality of education.
Ongoing Problems
Felipa emphasized that many of the issues raised during the last school year have still not been addressed. "Change must come," she stated firmly. One of the most pressing issues involves the 12.5% salary cut that was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This reduction has not yet been reversed and is particularly affecting the new generation of teachers. These colleagues have been working for five to six years with the same starting salary, despite their higher education or academic qualifications. This is unacceptable," Felipa said.
Additionally, there is an unequal workload in secondary education. Some teachers work 27 hours a week for a full-time salary, while others must work 32 hours for the same pay. "This is unfair and unsustainable," Felipa added.
According to Felipa, the origin of this inequality lies in an old system that has been in place since the 1990s and for which no clear agreements have been made. This not only leads to unfair working conditions but also causes demotivation among teachers, who often feel that their efforts are not appreciated.
Vocational Education and Teaching Hours
The situation is especially dire in vocational education (MBO). Teachers who work less than 33 hours per week have received letters threatening salary cuts based on the number of hours worked. According to Felipa, this is not only against the law but also completely illogical.
She points out that such measures are not conducive to teacher motivation and that these injustices must be addressed quickly.
Call for #HEALTHYeducation
In addition to these specific problems, DOEN is focusing heavily on the theme of #HEALTHYeducation this school year. Felipa explains that the well-being of educational staff must be central to ensuring the quality of education.
"We must ensure that our work environment is healthy, both physically and mentally. Only then can we guarantee a sustainable future for education."
DOEN is calling on the government and schools to take measures that contribute to a healthy workplace, such as improving working conditions and reducing workload.
Future Actions Felipa is determined to continue highlighting these issues. "If the ministers do not respond, we will consider legal action," she warned.
According to Felipa, the new school year begins with mixed feelings. Although there is optimism among colleagues, uncertainty about these unresolved issues remains.
Felipa has a clear message for the government: "If we do not address these problems, the quality of education will suffer, and we cannot allow that."