WILLEMSTAD – The president of the Sentral Sindikal (SSK), Wendell Meulen, is raising concerns about the lack of progress in finalizing a government agreement with Oryx, the company that signed a deal with Refineria di Kòrsou (RdK).
Meulen recalled that even Oryx itself admitted there were around 100 key issues to resolve before any government agreement could be signed, including matters related to the environment, taxation, and agreements with state-owned companies. “Until today, we have heard nothing,” he said.
According to Meulen, this ongoing uncertainty is the reason unions continue to advise workers not to wait idly for the refinery to reopen but instead to actively seek other employment opportunities.
The union leader also urged parents to speak with their children about career plans. “If Global Oil and VIGOR want to build trust, they should explain their concrete plans and reopen the training school they promised. Right now, they give the impression they are not serious,” he added.
Meulen further criticized the shift in the government’s approach to the refinery’s future. In the past, government itself was directly involved in the negotiation process. Today, however, RdK has been tasked with handling interested companies, forming 30-year contracts and collecting monthly payments.
This arrangement, according to Meulen, raises questions. “What is really important for RdK? Is it just about collecting monthly payments, or is it about creating jobs? RdK is supposed to maintain the refinery installations, but this responsibility has been shifted to VIGOR. RdK must ensure VIGOR operates optimally and provide clarity to the workers and the community.”
The SSK president expressed frustration that neither RdK nor VIGOR have provided clear communication. In the past, workers could contact Dean Rozier for updates, but that channel is no longer available. “If he is no longer involved with VIGOR, then say so and let us know who we can speak to,” Meulen insisted.
The unions, he emphasized, are not asking for much—only for clarity about continuity and the future of workers, both those employed directly by RdK and those contracted through VIGOR. “It is about dignity,” Meulen concluded.
