WILLEMSTAD - Member of Parliament for MFK, Maria Nita, has brought attention to the issue of labor exploitation in a letter addressed to Minister of Labor Ruthmila Larmonie-Cecillia. Nita emphasizes that economic growth is crucial for creating job opportunities and combating poverty. While this issue often garners media attention, Nita argues that more focus is needed on the labor market, particularly regarding the prevalent inequality and exploitation observed.
Labor exploitation manifests in various forms, including payment of wages below the minimum wage, excessively long working hours without proper compensation, and hazardous working conditions. These abuses not only impact wage payment but also have broader social, economic, moral, fiscal, and mental repercussions for workers.
Nita highlights the need for strengthening inspection mechanisms to ensure the rights of all workers, including those with physical or mental limitations. Additionally, she calls for greater oversight regarding the retention of premiums by employers, citing instances where workers' medical needs are unregistered with SVB (Social Insurance Bank) due to employers withholding premiums without transferring them to SVB.
In her letter, Nita poses several questions to the Minister of Labor. She inquires about the availability of information and statistics regarding labor inspections related to exploitation issues, the frequency of inspections, and the procedures followed when irregularities are detected.
Furthermore, Nita seeks clarity on the measures in place to educate employers about these issues and whether the Ministry of SOAW provides workers with information to empower them about their rights.
The accountability of companies that fail to pay premiums for workers to SVB is also brought into question by Nita, urging for action to ensure compliance with labor regulations.