President of the TOPA Union, Axcel Figaroa, reports that he has received several letters from members expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to grant a salary increase exclusively to civil servants in salary scales 13 through 16.
According to Figaroa, the union was surprised by the measure because, based on their information, the increase of two salary steps (periodic increments) was granted without prior consultation with the unions representing public sector employees. Normally, the government approaches unions for dialogue when intending to implement changes affecting employment positions and salaries, but according to TOPA, no union was informed in advance this time.
Lack of communication with unions
TOPA represents a considerable number of members in staff positions, such as directors and heads of service, and also defends their interests. Figaroa recalled that two years ago there was a lengthy negotiation process regarding indexation, during which different scenarios were analyzed, taking into account the rising cost of living. However, it now appears that an increase for scales 13 to 16 was implemented without unions being brought to the negotiating table.
According to circulating information, the decision had already been approved in the Council of Ministers since mid-last year but only became public recently. The current Aruba Government coalition (AVP-FUTURO) confirmed the increase this year.
Unanswered letter
In response to the situation, the unions SEPPA, SIMAR, SPA, SADA, SIMBA, FTA, and TOPA jointly sent a letter to the government on February 2. At the time of publication, the unions indicated that they had not received any official response, although by law the government is required to respond to official correspondence within two weeks. More than 24 days have passed without a formal reaction, which the unions consider a sign of disrespect.
The unions are requesting a formal meeting with the participation of representatives from the Human Resources Department (DRH) and the Department of Finance to obtain clarity regarding the criteria used to reach the decision.
Discussion on staff retention
One of the arguments mentioned as motivation for the increase is that employees in scales 13 to 16 were allegedly considering moving to the private sector. However, Figaroa, who worked 35 years in public service, questions the magnitude of this issue. According to him, in his experience only a minimal number—around four staff members—left government service for the private sector.
He pointed out that the legal position of a civil servant and their secondary employment benefits are generally more favorable than in the private sector, raising questions about the necessity of an exclusive measure for this group without presenting concrete data on how many individuals were actually on the verge of resigning.
Concerns about precedents
TOPA also recalled that two years ago five directors received a significant allowance increase, rising by 2 x 25% (a total of 50%) on top of their base salary, which counts toward their pension base. This has direct implications for future pension amounts. According to the union, this decision was also not broadly discussed with unions.
Call for transparency
The unions emphasize that salary changes affecting public sector workers must be broadly discussed and based on clear data. They are calling on the government to present concrete facts and justification for the decision to increase salaries for scales 13 to 16.
Additionally, TOPA underlines that the largest group of civil servants those below scale 13 form the “backbone” of the government apparatus and, according to the union, should also receive attention in any future salary revision.
With an indexation meeting still pending, unions anticipate that civil servant salaries will become a central point of discussion in the coming days