WILLEMSTAD - With the exception of the PWFC and APRI unions, almost all other unions and labor federations are calling for more clarity regarding the agreement signed between Refineria di Kòrsou (RdK) and Oryx Midstream. Oryx is set to manage the terminal facilities at Bullenbaai and the refinery in Emmastad for the next thirty years.
Former union leader and ex-representative of contract workers at Refineria Isla, Hensley Harms, has criticized PWFC and APRI. He stated:
“In the past, nothing was acceptable, but now that there is something on the table that raises doubts, it seems acceptable to PWFC and APRI. This kind of stance raises questions about the motivation behind these two unions' positions: are they looking out for their members' interests or their own?”
Noteworthy
Harms finds it notable that these two unions were present at the employee information session but absent from the session for unions and the commercial sector.
He points out that APRI and PWFC have publicly called for the acceptance of the signed agreement, showing understanding and requesting time to study the agreement.
“But in the past, it was precisely these two unions that refused to accept any proposals. They mobilized workers, even went to the director's house, and threatened to set Curaçao on fire.”
Doubt
Harms emphasizes that many are questioning the current agreement because no one expected RdK to change its vision for the refinery's future without first consulting the community. “It was promised that there would be jobs at the refinery again, including reviewing and cleaning up the site.”
For this reason, Harms urges PWFC and APRI to take a step back and not obstruct those who want to investigate the agreement and seek more clarity.
He also argues that it is unfair to ask former employees to show understanding and accept the agreement, as they lost their jobs and were given false hope with promises that the refinery would reopen and create new jobs.