WILLEMSTAD – The STRAF labor union has formally requested that all employees of the Curaçao Customs Department receive a gratuity in recognition of their work and contribution to government revenues.
In a letter addressed to Finance Minister Charles Cooper, STRAF President Juan Lourens called for a bonus to be granted to every member of the Customs Department, without exception.
According to the union, the request applies to all personnel, from senior management to frontline staff. STRAF argues that every employee plays an important role in carrying out the department's responsibilities and contributes to the additional revenue collected for the government of Curaçao.
While the decision on whether to award a gratuity ultimately rests with Customs management, the union said it will closely monitor how the matter is handled.
Lourens stated that Customs employees deserve recognition for their dedication and the quality of their work, emphasizing that their efforts help strengthen the country's public finances.
The union believes that rewarding the entire workforce would be an appropriate way to acknowledge the department's performance and the commitment shown by its employees.
Neither the Ministry of Finance nor the Curaçao Customs Department has publicly responded to the union's request.