WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Minister of Social Development, Labor and Welfare, Charetti America-Francisca, has warned that employees who are required to stand for long periods without adequate breaks may face serious health consequences.
The warning was included in the minister’s response to parliamentary questions from Gilbert Doran concerning labor conditions in the retail sector, including supermarkets, pharmacies, perfume stores, and other commercial businesses.
According to the minister, prolonged standing during work shifts can lead to a range of physical problems, including muscle and joint pain, circulation issues, swollen feet, back problems, fatigue, and reduced concentration.
America-Francisca stated that the health effects can become severe when workers are required to stand daily for extended periods without sufficient rest breaks or variation in tasks.
The concerns surfaced after reports that some employees in Curaçao’s retail sector are allegedly expected to remain on their feet throughout entire shifts, sometimes lasting eight hours or longer, without access to seating.
Although the Labor Department has not yet received official complaints, the minister acknowledged that workers may hesitate to report abuses due to fear of reprisals from employers.
The ministry has now instructed the labor inspectorate to carry out inspections and gather more information about working conditions in the sector. Authorities are also seeking specific reports and company names to facilitate targeted investigations.
The minister said additional independent research will be necessary to determine how widespread the issue is across Curaçao’s commercial sector. The government also plans to strengthen public information campaigns about labor rights and employee protections.