WILLEMSTAD – The Sindikal General di Trahadornan di Kòrsou (SGTK) union has called on the government and the involved companies to establish clear wage rates for local workers at the Isla Refinery site. According to union leader Alcides Cova, the reopening of the access gate at Post-5 is a positive step, but it does not resolve the core issues. Cova states that workers are currently receiving too low an hourly wage for specialized work and seeks to negotiate fair agreements with the government and companies like Global Oil and Oryx. 

Prime Minister Gilmar ‘Pik’ Pisas (MFK) had previously emphasized that the refinery is reopening in phases, with 320 job vacancies currently available. He also warned against misinformation regarding the refinery and assured that the cabinet is working on a responsible restart process. SGTK acknowledges the increase in economic activity but stresses that fair wages and labor conditions must be a priority. 

Cova expressed concerns that foreign workers may be brought in if local employees refuse to accept the low wages. He has called on the Ministry of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare (SOAW) to regulate wage agreements and prevent local workers from being disadvantaged. According to the union, hundreds of skilled workers are needed for asphalt production, but they must be paid fairly for their labor. 

The Pisas II cabinet has stated that economic growth and employment will increase as a result of the refinery contracts with Global Oil and Oryx. However, SGTK continues to push for concrete agreements on wages and better protection for local workers. Pisas has not yet responded to concerns about low wages.