WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has indicated that it is willing to begin discussions on a new collective labor agreement (CAO), but says it must first receive clarity from the government on the financial framework within which negotiations can take place. This is stated in a letter from the hospital to labor union CBV.
In the letter addressed to CBV chair Annaliza Suares, the hospital confirms its intention to start consultations on a new CAO in the near future. According to CMC, opening talks would represent an initial step toward updating the current labor agreement for its staff.
At the same time, hospital management stresses that clear guidance is required from the Minister of Health, Environment and Nature regarding the available financial space for negotiations. Only once the applicable budgetary limits are known can substantive agreements on employment conditions be discussed. CMC has indicated that it will formally inform the minister of this position in writing.
Internally, the hospital has already begun preparations for the negotiation process, including assembling a bargaining team and working on the substantive preparation of the talks. CMC notes that time is needed until early March to ensure that negotiations can begin in a careful and well-prepared manner.
According to the hospital, additional information on the planning and organizational structure of the negotiation process will be provided within the next two weeks. As a result, the formal start of CAO negotiations appears to depend largely on the government providing financial clarity.