A group of retired teachers approached the PPA faction seeking to be heard, assisted, and granted justice in what they consider an unfair and discriminatory situation. According to them, the unequal treatment compared to their colleagues who are not yet retired shows a lack of respect for their years of dedication and service to Aruba’s education system. Many of them continue to work due to the shortage and ongoing need for teachers in the country’s schools.
“We firmly stand behind our teachers. They have worked with love and commitment for our island’s children, and the way they are treated today does not reflect the dignity they deserve for their sacrifice,” declared Parliamentarian Eduard Pieters.
Inequality in the payment of ATV
The main grievance concerns the payment of 3½ days of ATV (Work Time Reduction) that the Wever-Croes II Cabinet withdrew from retired teachers. According to the group, teachers still in active service continue to receive ATV payments, while retirees — now working through school boards — are denied the same.
“You can’t have two standards for the same work,” Pieters explained. “If the same employer, who receives government subsidies, acknowledges these teachers as competent and professional enough to continue teaching, there’s no justification to treat them differently simply because they’re retired.”
What ATV means and what is at stake
Pieters reminded that ATV days were introduced many years ago when the government could not grant salary indexations. Instead, public employees received compensatory days off to offset the loss of purchasing power.
“ATV was created to protect workers and maintain a certain social balance. So how can part of the education sector now be excluded from this benefit? It’s a clear lack of equity that we can no longer allow to continue,” said Pieters.
PPA demands equal treatment for all workers
The PPA faction is taking this situation very seriously and is preparing to raise the necessary questions to the responsible ministry, seeking transparency and correction of the current handling. “Our Constitution is based on equality,” Pieters emphasized. “That means no citizen should be treated differently if they are working, contributing, and fulfilling the same responsibilities. Retired teachers working through school boards deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Pieters added that the PPA will continue to defend their rights and will not allow a group that has dedicated its life to education to be ignored.
“Our people are shaped by the education these teachers have given. The time has come for us as a nation to show gratitude through action, not just words. The PPA is committed to setting this matter right and correcting this inequality.”
A call for respect and justice
Finally, the PPA faction urgently calls on the Ministry and relevant authorities to review the individual cases and restore ATV payments to all retired teachers who continue to work.
“This is not merely a matter of payment,” concluded Pieters. “It is a matter of respect. Every teacher who continues to contribute after retirement deserves fair treatment, because they are still helping build Aruba’s future.”
Press release: PPA