WILLEMSTAD – The teachers’ union DOEN has called on the government to take immediate action over salary increases that have yet to be paid in full. During a general meeting on Thursday, the union highlighted that education employees have been entitled to a so-called “step payment”—a wage increase—since August 2024. According to DOEN, the payments have not been fully implemented, leaving staff with outstanding arrears.

A letter sent by Minister of Governance, Planning, and Public Service, Kimberly Lew-Jen-Tai (MFK), the day before the meeting failed to provide clarity on the matter. As a result, DOEN is demanding urgent talks with the minister and a strict deadline for a definitive response.

More than 70 schools were represented at the meeting, with the remaining schools expected to be included in the next session, where further steps will be discussed. The union also confirmed it will coordinate with other unions within GOA, the Organized Consultation in Civil Service Affairs, to strengthen its position.

DOEN warned that patience among education workers is running thin and stressed that the government must act quickly to resolve the issue.