WILLEMSTAD - During a press conference earlier today, Minister Charles Cooper accused civil servant unions of misleading retirees about the possibility of pension increases. Cooper, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, responded to union claims that civil servant pensions should have been indexed for 2023, emphasizing that such an adjustment is not possible under current circumstances.
Cooper explained that strict regulations regarding pension fund coverage ratios prevent the government from raising pensions. “Pensions cannot be increased because there is insufficient coverage,” he stated, making it clear that the unions have not been transparent with retirees about the financial realities.
This dispute highlights the growing tension between the government and unions over the reversal of cuts to civil servants' working conditions. Unions are preparing for collective actions, while retirees have formed an action committee to advocate for their interests. Cooper, however, insists that misinformation is being spread regarding the pension situation.
As both sides remain at odds, the issue of pension adjustments and labor conditions for civil servants is set to remain a point of contention in the coming weeks.