During a meeting held this morning between the labor unions and representatives of the MEP parliamentary faction, serious concern was expressed over the fact that the Aruban government — AVP-Futuro and its coalition factions — have yet to hold any consultation with the unions regarding the proposed Kingdom Act HOFA. This is despite the fact that these unions have submitted a position paper and represent thousands of workers in key sectors of the country.
The unions emphasized that they have not been invited to, nor heard by, the government or the coalition factions. This lack of dialogue demonstrates disrespect for the social partnership that has been carefully built over many years.
Substantively, the unions warn that the proposed Kingdom Act constitutes a direct infringement on Aruba’s autonomy and on the decision-making power of the Aruban people. Such a law would transfer final control over Aruba’s finances to the Netherlands, a situation that the unions consider incompatible with self-governance and democratic accountability.
The unions pointed out that Aruba has long operated under a national ordinance on financial supervision, which functions well. “If a medicine works, why try another? If the national ordinance can be improved, then amend it — but do not replace it with a Kingdom law that limits our rights,” said one union representative.
It was also noted during the meeting that the administrative agreement preceding the proposed Kingdom Act is not legally binding, and that, according to statements made in the Parliament of Aruba, the Netherlands ultimately retains the final say. The unions firmly reject this principle, arguing that it subordinates the voice of the Aruban people to foreign decision-making.
The unions concluded with a clear message:
“The autonomy of Aruba is non-negotiable. We demand that the government and parliament listen to the people who contribute daily to this nation’s economy.”
Press release: MEP
