The Board of Directors and the negotiation team of the Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH), together with the ABV union, are proud to announce that they have reached an agreement on a new collective labor agreement (CLA), valid from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. Negotiations began on April 14, and after fifteen meetings, both parties are pleased to announce the signing of this new agreement, as the current CLA will expire on December 31, 2025.
“I am very proud of the hospital’s and ABV’s negotiation teams for achieving, within the set timeframe, positive steps that show appreciation for our employees and strengthen our position as a leading organization in Aruba,” said Mr. Vroegop, Chairman of the Board.
Board member Mr. Croeze added: “We are happy that together we can strengthen the work-life balance of our employees. Congratulations to all!”
Board member Mr. Casseres also expressed his pride: “It is a special moment for me to sign a CLA for the first time as a board member. A beautiful result of cooperation and mutual trust.”
Ms. Croes, chair of the negotiation team, said: “As first-time chair of the working group, I am very proud of the outcome. We conducted open and respectful dialogue, with mutual understanding and a shared goal of achieving a balanced agreement that benefits both the employees and the organization.”
According to Ms. Maduro, president of ABV: “HOH and ABV are a model for all employers in Aruba. This CLA focuses on the balance between work and personal life, and on a sustainable work culture for all employees.”
The Board of Directors, together with the HOH CLA working group and the ABV team, achieved the following, among other things:
– Goal to introduce a 36-hour workweek, with further study on feasibility.
– Bereavement leave: in case of death of spouse/partner or (foster)child, days increased from 6 to 10; in case of death of a parent, from 3 to 5 days.
– Night shifts: women who are breastfeeding are exempt from night shifts during the first 9 months after giving birth; employees aged 60 and above are no longer required to work night shifts.
– Paternity leave: increased from 2 to 10 days after the birth of a child.
At age 60: one additional vacation day granted.
– Access to psychological counseling.
– Unpaid leave: employees may take up to 5 unpaid days per year, upon consultation, to maintain better work-life balance.
– Overtime: option to choose between payment or compensation in time off.
– “On call” duty: rest time after an on-call shift increased from 6 to 8 hours.
– Loyalty bonus: now also paid in case of incapacity to work due to an occupational accident.
– 30 years of service: employees receive a bonus equivalent to one month’s salary.
– Spring and autumn bonuses: paid in January and November.
– Indexation: to be implemented in January 2026.
The constructive and positive collaboration during these negotiations has laid a solid foundation for HOH employees for the next two years. Once again, the Board of Directors thanks both the HOH negotiation team and the ABV union for their hard work — and congratulations to all HOH colleagues, as this achievement is for all of you!
Press release: Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH)
