GREAT BAY: ---- The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with representatives of the WIFOL, WICSU and teachers union as part of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders.
Current developments and concerns, which the commissioner was informed of, include a reduction of workdays, in some cases, from six to 2 days per week, for employees.
The trade union sector has informed Commissioner Richardson of its concerns regarding a shift from traditional stay-over facilities to timeshare and condominium projects. The trade union sector is of the opinion that this development does not provide for long-term employment and very limited employment opportunities for workers.
Other issues, which the commissioner was informed of, are concerns regarding the availability of training programs for workers, escalating crime, traffic congestion, and expensive airlift to St. Maarten.
The trade union sector is of the opinion that if the cost of airlift can be reduced, the number of arrivals may also increase, translating into additional jobs in the workplace.
During the discussions, union representatives raised the matter of activating the St. Maarten Social Economic Council (SER), to advise government on social economic issues.
Expressed to Commissioner Richardson were also concerns regarding the need to look into alternative sources of energy and investing in the upgrading of the infrastructure.
Suggestions for structural short-term solutions to a number of the discussed issues include a need for retraining programs for workers and training for workers in alternative industries.
The trade union sector further suggested a quota system, which limits the number of foreign workers.
Another suggestion was the revival of the consumer foundation.
