WILLEMSTAD – The Central Committe of Unions (CCvV) has reflected on a productive year marked by tangible gains for civil servants employed by the Government of Curaçao and has outlined its priorities for further strengthening their legal and employment position.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, January 19, 2026, CCvV chairman Juan Lourens highlighted several achievements realized over the past year through bipartite consultations with the government. The CCvV represents five recognized public-sector unions and negotiates on behalf of civil servants with the Minister of Governance, Planning and Public Service on matters related to employment conditions and legal status.
According to Lourens, one of the key accomplishments was the increase in the vacation allowance from 6 percent to 8 percent, a measure initiated by the CCvV and already paid out to civil servants. In addition, the CCvV successfully advocated for the introduction of a so-called “bashi premium,” to which the government agreed. This premium has since also been disbursed.
The CCvV stressed that it remains fully committed to further improving working conditions for civil servants. Constructive cooperation with the government is essential in this process, Lourens noted. However, he pointed out that progress is sometimes hindered by the frequent cancellation of meetings of the Central Organized Consultation on Civil Service Affairs (CGOA) and its associated working groups. While this causes delays, Lourens emphasized that it does not mean the CCvV is inactive.
Looking ahead, the CCvV has set ambitious priorities for the coming year. These include work on a new salary structure, the structural incorporation of the bashi premium, and the introduction of a 36-hour workweek while maintaining pay equivalent to a 40-hour workweek.
With these goals, the CCvV says it will continue to advocate for sustainable, fair, and modern employment conditions for civil servants on Curaçao.