Wit Gele Kruis employees begin Monday with protest

ORANJESTAD — Employees of Wit Gele Kruis staged a one-hour protest on Monday morning at the organization’s headquarters in Santa Cruz. The action, organized by the ABV trade union, stems from deep dissatisfaction among employees over wage inequality and differences in employment conditions that, according to the union, have existed since 2022. ABV President Gina Maduro explained that the conflict centers on two groups of employees within the same organization who do not receive equal benefits, despite working for the same foundation. According to Maduro, 27 employees currently receive benefits such as basic allowances, bonuses and additional time off (ATV), while a larger group of 103 employees does not enjoy the same entitlements.

PAY INCREASE FUELS FRUSTRATION

The situation has become more sensitive because, starting Monday, the group of 27 employees will receive a salary increase, while the other 103 workers will be excluded. "We do not want two categories of employees. We want one category of workers, with equal treatment and the same benefits," Maduro stated.

According to the union leader, employees feel disappointed and frustrated because the inequality has continued for several years without a concrete solution.

Maduro explained that ABV received official recognition as a trade union at Wit Gele Kruis on August 5, 2024. However, negotiations for a collective labor agreement (CLA) did not begin until mid-April of this year, following changes in the organization's management. From the beginning of the negotiations, the union has insisted on eliminating the differences between the two groups.

DIRECTOR UNWILLING TO ELIMINATE DIFFERENCES

According to Maduro, during discussions last Friday, the director indicated that he wanted to maintain the distinction between the two groups of employees. ABV rejects this position and is demanding a concrete agreement guaranteeing equal treatment.

The union proposed including a provision in a protocol requiring the elimination of differences in salaries and benefits, with a specific implementation date. However, no satisfactory agreement has been reached. "We are fighting for equal treatment. This inequality must disappear so that we are left with only one category of employees," Maduro emphasized.

PATIENT CARE MUST NOT BE AFFECTED

The union president clarified that Monday's action would last only one hour and that precautions had been taken to prevent patients from being affected. "You cannot harm the patient. Care must continue," Maduro stated. However, she warned that Monday's protest was merely a warning. If the director fails to present a satisfactory solution, the union is prepared to intensify its actions. "If we do not receive a positive response, we will continue to escalate our actions. We cannot tolerate this situation any longer," the union leader said.

ABV DEMANDS INVESTIGATION INTO MANAGEMENT

Beyond the wage dispute, Maduro expressed serious concerns about the administrative and financial management of Wit Gele Kruis. According to her, the union has identified several shortcomings within the organization, including the absence of a formal Human Resources (HR) department. "A foundation that has existed for 165 years does not have an HR department. Where do you even begin?" Maduro questioned. She also criticized the way the organization manages its resources, arguing that it is unacceptable for an institution to depend continuously on the government to cover financial shortfalls resulting from management problems.

According to Maduro, the director is responsible for ensuring that the institution is properly managed and, if necessary, negotiating with the government for additional resources. ABV is demanding an initial assessment (nulmeting) and a thorough investigation to determine the underlying administrative and financial problems.

POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER ACTION

Maduro confirmed that the union has already contacted management to determine the next steps. ABV maintains that a system in which one group of employees enjoys rights and benefits denied to another group within the same organization cannot be allowed to continue. Monday morning's protest marks an escalation of union pressure on the management of Wit Gele Kruis, while the future of the collective labor agreement negotiations and the possibility of further action will depend on management's response.