WILLEMSTAD - The 12.5 percent reduction in the employment conditions package for civil servants does not lead to actual cost savings. This is the conclusion of the Social and Economic Council (SER) based on an analysis. The SER therefore believes that the government's proposal should be revised.
"Based on the SER analysis, the measure as presented will not lead to the agreed reduction of 12.5 percent on the total package of fringe benefits for all employees in the (semi) public sector."
According to the SER, the reduction in the number of holiday hours does not result in cost savings in the sense of less government expenditure. It is also unclear what exactly the 12.5 percent is calculated on. Allowances and the wage scale of civil servants are excluded, "while these are indeed part of the total package of employment conditions".
Furthermore, the SER believes that the wage cut is disproportionate to the income reduction of many employers, employees, flex workers, and self-employed workers in the private sector. The advisory body also does not agree that the arrangement does not apply to personnel appointed by Royal Decree, including the Attorney General, the Solicitor General, the Chief Public Prosecutor, the President of the Court of Justice, the Board of Directors and members of the Court of Justice, and the Law Enforcement Council.