WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao healthcare workers’ union CBV has raised serious concerns about the administrative and financial situation in the healthcare sector and is calling on the government to enter into immediate consultations. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Gilmar ‘Pik’ Pisas, the union warns that the sector is under heavy strain and that further delays in decision-making are unacceptable to healthcare personnel.
According to the Curaçaose zorgvakbond CBV, the sector is suffering from a lack of clear policy choices, concrete agreements, and a defined timeline, while workloads continue to increase. The union cautions that both the continuity and quality of care are at risk if decisive action is not taken.
CBV also points to what it describes as an untenable administrative situation, noting that Curaçao currently does not have an official Minister of Health. The union says this leadership vacuum is unsustainable for such a critical sector and adds to uncertainty among healthcare workers.
The union is therefore urging the swift appointment of a Minister of Public Health. If this cannot be realized in the short term, CBV demands that Gilmar Pisas immediately appoint a representative with full decision-making authority. Talks without a mandate, the union argues, only lead to stagnation and deepen uncertainty within the healthcare system.
In addition, CBV is calling for the immediate resumption of stalled collective labor agreement negotiations. The waiting period previously granted to give the government time to address financial and tariff-related issues has, according to the union, now expired. “Further delay is no longer acceptable to healthcare workers,” CBV stated.
The union emphasized that prompt and concrete action is needed to restore confidence, reduce pressure on staff, and safeguard the future of healthcare on the island.