WILLEMSTAD – Telecommunications workers' union SITKOM has strongly criticized Flow over its plans to transfer 11 employees from its information technology department to an external service provider, accusing the company of withholding important information about its restructuring plans and misrepresenting the consequences for affected workers.
In a statement issued in response to a Flow press release published on Thursday, October 29, 2026, SITKOM rejected the company's portrayal of itself as an employer that values its employees and protects their interests.
The union argues that Flow's public statements do not reflect the reality facing the 11 workers, some of whom have served the company for between 20 and 35 years.
According to SITKOM, Flow has repeatedly referred to a strategic business decision without adequately explaining what the strategy involves or why outsourcing the IT activities has become necessary.
The union says neither the affected employees nor their representatives have received sufficient information about the company's plans.
SITKOM also claims that Flow has failed to provide the wider Curaçao community with a clear explanation of the decision.
The union considers this lack of transparency particularly troubling because it represents the employees in consultations with the company.
According to SITKOM, meaningful dialogue requires Flow to explain the reasons behind its restructuring plans and the consequences for the workers involved.
Union Rejects Flow's Claims About Employment Conditions
One of the main points of disagreement concerns Flow's assertion that the external service provider offers competitive employment conditions.
SITKOM categorically disputes that characterization.
According to the union, the proposed transfer would result in a substantial deterioration of the employees' existing employment benefits.
SITKOM claims the affected workers would lose their current vacation allowance and pension entitlements if they accepted employment with the external provider.
The union also alleges that their annual vacation entitlement would be reduced to the statutory minimum of 15 days, compared with the more than 22 days currently enjoyed by most of the employees.
Sick-leave compensation would also change significantly, according to SITKOM.
The union claims that employees would receive their full salary only during the first ten days of illness, after which compensation would fall to 80 percent.
For employees who remain ill for three months or longer, SITKOM alleges that salary compensation could decline to as little as 60 percent.
The union questions whether such arrangements comply with Curaçao's labor legislation.
These claims concern the employment conditions described by SITKOM and have not been independently verified.
Employees Would Have to Work From Home at Their Own Expense
SITKOM also objects to the proposed working arrangements.
According to the union, the external service provider does not maintain an office in Curaçao where the transferred employees could perform their duties.
As a result, the workers would reportedly be required to establish home offices at their own expense.
The union argues that this would impose additional financial burdens on employees already facing the possible loss of existing benefits.
SITKOM maintains that the combination of reduced employment conditions, uncertainty about job security and additional personal expenses makes the proposed arrangement unacceptable.
The union has accused Flow of treating its employees without sufficient respect or recognition for their years of service.
Demand for Transparency and Respect
SITKOM is demanding that Flow provide a full explanation of its restructuring strategy and engage in meaningful discussions with the union.
The organization insists that the company cannot claim to value its workforce while proposing arrangements that, according to the union, would significantly reduce employees' existing rights and benefits.
SITKOM also argues that the workers' lengthy service records should be taken into account when determining how their employment situation will be resolved.
The union has made clear that it will not accept what it describes as arrogance, disrespect or manipulation in the company's handling of the matter.
Flow's detailed response to the specific allegations concerning employment conditions was not included in SITKOM's statement.
The dispute highlights growing tensions over the proposed outsourcing of IT operations and the future of 11 experienced telecommunications employees.
SITKOM is calling on Flow to reconsider its approach and provide the transparency and consultation that the union believes the workers deserve.