WILLEMSTAD - According to Consumenten Belangen Curaçao, the government turns a blind eye to employers requiring their employees to be vaccinated against Covid. The consumers interest foundation urges the government to put an end to this "and to send a clear signal that this is not allowed".
A few weeks ago, the news spread that Centrum Supermarket would require staff to be vaccinated. And recently, reports surfaced on social media that The Gym at LionsDive is openly not only requiring its employees to vaccinate, but also denying access to customers without proof of vaccination or a biweekly negative PCR test.
Consumers Interests Curaçao says it has sent various emails to the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) asking what the ministry is going to do towards employers who require a vaccination of its staff. But also the question of where employees can report this anonymously?
SOAW has indicated that mandatory vaccination is not allowed, but that the ministry will only act if employees report that they have been fired on the spot for refusing a vaccination.
Consumer Interests Curaçao does not think that is enough. "By turning a blind eye to the fact that companies still openly vent that employees are required to be vaccinated and that consumers are asked for proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test, the government gives the impression that this is permitted by law."
The foundation is urging the government to take action and send a clear signal. “Waiting for employees to report that they have been fired is putting the cart before the horse. Because employees do not dare to argue against employers, there must be a telephone reporting point where employees can report anonymously if employers require vaccination and of course sanctions must also be imposed against these companies.”