States support temporary employees

December 19, 2011

WILLEMSTAD — The States discussed an agenda item this morning whereby the parliament express their support once again for personnel members employed through temp agencies for years. A first proposal from FOL States member Anthony Godett to include this item on the agenda was rejected. However, the present State members supported a second proposal from PAR-member Pedro Atacho.The temporary employees of UTS, Curoil, Dock and the FOL-base had arranged a massive strike this morning because they want a permanent appointment as soon as possible. The temporary employees assembled at the parliament, holding protest signs. They were hoping the States members would express their support once again for the battle against discrimination on the shop floor, which they did, after an argument between Asjes and Godett.

Godett had forwarded his proposal of order per letter to the States chairman Ivar Asjes (PS) in the weekend. The latter gave Godett the opportunity to explain his proposal this morning. This proposal was based on deliberations on the position of temporary employees and on the challenged FARC-statements by Minister Monk (Administration, Planning and Service, PS). However, before Asjes gave Godett the floor, he pointed out that Godett had already sent Monk a list of questions on the same subject, and warned against mixing the two matters. Godett wanted none of that with him. Godett’s intervention led to a fierce confrontation with Asjes this morning. This was caused by Godett’s remark that Asjes had informed Monk he would answer Godett’s questions after he returned to Curaçao and not sooner. Asjes interrupted Godett, stating this was a big lie. For efficiency reasons, Asjes had sent Monk a semi-official letter explaining that he would forward the official letter upon his arrival on the island. The discussion reached the stage that Asjes closured Godett and put the proposal to the vote. The suggestion didn’t get enough support.

Later on in the meeting, after the budgetary discussion scheduled for this morning was adjourned, Atacho suggested discussing the temporary employees instead. On November 3rd the States adopted two motions to give the temporary employees working for government nv’s for years a permanent employment. However, UTS and the Telecom-minister Charles Cooper (MAN) indicated they could not adopt the entire suggestion. The suggestion was applauded by the attending temporary employees and approved by the other States members later on – to the great frustration of Godett, who accused States chairman Asjes of preventing him from introducing his suggestion. Asjes subtly pointed out his colleagues had not accepted his proposal.

De Geus is to leave

One of the motions argued for the dismissal of directors of government nv’s who refuse to implement the motions. PS party-leader Helmin Wiels said this leaves us no other choice than a political decision to dismiss UTS-director Paul de Geus. “He is the biggest virus and disease in the company. I don’t understand why people protect him, when even the most evil avoid him”, said Wiels. According to the PS-leader, De Geus is a hail-fellow-well-met who favors the party in power. He accused the UTS-director of favoritism. “The PAR had tolerated the bomboshi (situation). I cautioned Cooper about him”, said Wiels. He found it detestable that De Geus had not shown up in the States. “The UTS-management is sitting high and dry in their office while the Minister is under fire.” According to the States member, the matter around the temporary employees must be solved as soon as possible. They deserve to regain their dignity. “One cannot treat people like objects.”
 

Source: Amigoe.com