As mentioned before, Minister Ursell Arends met with the discontented Arubus drivers. SEPPA, on behalf of the Arubus workers, delivered the letter to the minister, describing the workers’ struggle for fair and dignified wages. They are asking the minister to allocate the necessary funds to reach an agreement that can calm the situation while allowing them to continue providing quality and efficient service.
The current situation they are facing makes it impossible to work peacefully, as there is a lot of frustration and demotivation regarding these issues. SEPPA Secretary General, Magaly Brito, made it clear to the minister that they expect a positive response within 48 hours. She went on to say that if there is no solution by Friday afternoon, the workers will escalate the strike.
The minister said he would send a letter to the government mediator and the union, stating that this matter needs to be mediated. However, if the government does not provide the necessary funding, reaching an agreement will be impossible.
If no agreement is reached, the workers will continue the strike, taking to the streets in their fight for better wages and a dignified life.
The minister regrets that the workers had to go to such an extent to express their dissatisfaction, but as a leader, he is also displeased. According to Arends, the policies and government have led Arubus to where it is now, practically bankrupt.
Now is a crucial moment: Whether to move forward with demands that may not yet be feasible or to work together with the workers to make the company viable once again. As a minister, he has always worked alongside the workers to rescue the company. However, he emphasized that the management has failed them and the government of Aruba.
The minister assured that the Board of Commissioners will receive a letter to outline a comprehensive restructuring plan for the company, together with the workers, in order to start working on rescuing the company. He has given them until the end of the month to come up with a plan and the necessary funds for the company.
Brito demanded a quick response to the letter she delivered so that the workers know where they stand and what to expect, and the minister promised that they would receive a response today.
