WILLEMSTAD - Trade unions ABVO and CBV, which represent the ambulance service, have engaged a mediator from the government. The mediator must assist the unions and the ambulance staff in reaching an agreement on the issues surrounding the shift change of ambulance staff.
The two unions will continue to consult with the mediator next week to reach a solution. According to sources the ambulance posts in the Barber and Montaña area are not open in the meantime.
The ambulance staff disagrees with the new work system. The change of shifts happened earlier at the ambulance post in Bandabou. With the new system, the change takes place at the ambulance post at the Health Department in Zakitó. As a result, there is no ambulance in Bandabou for two to three hours.
Management previously reported that a committee would be formed to evaluate the situation. The ambulance staff received a letter on Monday announcing that the new exchange system will be used from Tuesday, without a committee having considered this.
According to the unions, there must be sufficient ambulances, medicines, and personnel at each ambulance station, but this is not the case. Because the problem is not being addressed, the unions have turned to the government mediator.