WILLEMSTAD – Concerns over a possible strike at the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) prompted an urgent meeting between the government, hospital management and healthcare union CBV on Thursday, August 20. The union says agreements were reached to prevent further escalation, but is now accusing CMC management of failing to honor the first of those commitments.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyron Boekhoudt and his delegation, CMC Director De Graaf, members of the hospital’s management and representatives of the Curaçao healthcare workers union CBV, led by president Annaliza Suares Mathilda.
According to CBV, the talks were convened following concerning signals that preparations for a strike could be underway at CMC, with the possibility that unrest could spread to other healthcare institutions.
Given CMC’s essential role in Curaçao’s healthcare system, the union said it participated in the emergency talks with the aim of preventing escalation and protecting continuity of patient care.
During the meeting, the parties reportedly reached several agreements intended to restore calm among employees and create a framework for further negotiations. One of the first steps was supposed to be written communication to employees explaining the situation, followed by a joint meeting with CMC personnel.
However, in a letter dated August 21, CBV said the first agreement aimed at providing employees with clarity and reducing unrest had not been carried out.
The union specifically called on CMC Director De Graaf to ensure that agreements made in the presence of all parties are respected.
CBV warned that failure to honor commitments could seriously damage trust between the hospital, employees, union and government and could contribute to further unrest within the medical center.
The union emphasized that it will not deviate from the agreements reached during Thursday’s meeting.
At the same time, CBV said it remains willing to work with CMC management, the government and other parties toward a sustainable solution.
The union stressed that its responsibility extends beyond defending employees’ interests. It said maintaining continuity of healthcare and protecting the interests of Curaçao’s population remain central considerations as the dispute continues.