WILLEMSTAD — Contractors’ Association AAV and trade union SGTK continue their negotiations through the Office of the National Mediator. Alicdes Cova, chairman of SGTK, the trade union that promotes the rights of contractor personnel on the Isla premises confirms this.According to Cova, the parties decided to approach the National Mediator when they were unable to come to terms. The AAV and SGTK are attempting to reach an agreement so the parties can start the cao (collective labor agreement) negotiations. These negotiations only make sense, according to AAV, if the government and the Isla-refinery guarantee a better control and observance of labor rules and guarantee employment for local contractors and personnel at the Isla.

In first instance, SGTK had tried to assemble all parties in reaching an agreement. However, an agreement was not reached because the negotiations between AAV and Isla had foundered. Since then, AAV and SGTK have held meetings to discuss proposals. No reports were made on the nature of these proposals as not to endanger the negotiations. However, it has now been decided to continue the negotiations through a third party, in this case the National Mediator, said Cova. According to the SGTK-chairman, this approach will lead to a better establishing of the agreements and the process to be followed.

On the other hand, Cova admits the patience of the SGTK-members is running out; the process is taking too long and had already led to a two-day strike late last month. The Isla had been furious when the entrance to the refinery was blocked for two days. This action had led Minister Hensley Koeiman (Social Development, Employment and Welfare, MAN) to announce a 30-day cooling-off period. The SGTK thought the Minister’s measure was unnecessary. This cooling-off period ends this week. Cova states it remains difficult to convince the SGTK-members to be patient.