Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, together with the Department of Labor and investigation, met with the Council of Ministers this morning. During the meeting, it was decided that Carnival Monday 2021 will be recognized as an off day. Because it’s the Monday before Ash Wednesday and pending the change in article 22 subsection 1 sub B of the Arbeidsverordening 2013. Also, pending the ratification of this through a National Decree H.A.M., an appeal is made to the private sector to consider this day a holiday.
Two lawyers reacted immediately, saying that nor Minister Glenbert Croes nor the entire Council of Ministers has the authority to give an off day like that. What they are trying to do is change the name of Carnavalmonday into a Monday before Ash Wednesday.
The fact is that it is not an off day, and the Government wants commerce to give an off day or pay the workers double. All the while, it is up to the employers if they decide to comply with the petition, yes or no.
