PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake met with GEBE employee and management union representatives, namely ASEWI (Association of Staff Employees) and WIFOL (Windward Islands Federation of Labour) on Thursday morning in the Dr. A.C. Wathey Legislative Hall.
Minister Lake during his introduction mentioned about his meetings with GEBE management and the shareholder foundation, and he also presented his position with respect to the transfer process which is scheduled to be completed on December 5.
Minister Lake pointed out that he was very disappointed that nothing was done on the side of Sint Maarten for a 12-month period with respect to GEBE transfer.
"The country lost 12-months without anything being done by the previous administration. I am pleased to inform the people of this country that everything is being facilitated to complete the transfer process of GEBE where the Dutch public entities will establish their own utility companies by December 5, and GEBE Sint Maarten will be solely a company belonging 100 per cent to the people of this country," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake pointed out on Sunday.
The Minister has also taken the initiative to contact GEBE management to have them organize General Assembly of GEBE workers within the shortest time possible.
"I would like all workers to be present with the exception of those that have to remain on the job to keep the lights on, from the cleaners to middle management, to have the opportunity to be informed about the transfer process, and to be able to ask questions pertaining to this. Communication is essential, and it resolves concerns that workers may have.
"When corporate changes are made to a company, the employees must be part and parcel of this process. I will also be present to give Governments position and what we are doing to facilitate this process. This would also be an opportune time for GEBE management to inform the employees and myself about the company's strategic plan and long-term outlook," Minister Maurice Lake said.
WIFOL/ASEWI gave an overview of their experiences with the process and the information that they had received during the period of former Minister of VROMI Theo Heyliger, and wanted to know from the new Government if the process would continue on the same track as was presented to them back then.
The unions are of the opinion that the workers should be part of the decision-making process and that they believe in the principle of social dialogue.
The workers wanted to hear if their rights are guaranteed and secured. Minister Lake assured the representatives of both unions that the workers' rights remain the same with no changes as GEBE will continue to exist after December 5. The only change coming is two new companies will be established for Saba and St. Eustatius and the employees on the two aforementioned islands will join those two companies.
WIFOL/ASEWI also sought information with respect to the supervisory board with respect to the two positions out of three left vacant. The unions wanted to know if these positions would be filled by December 5.
Minister Lake informed the union reps that the matter has his priority and the vacant board positions are to be filled, but it has to go through the proper channels such as the Corporate Governance Council.
"I would like to see a supervisory board that is firstly looking out for the overall interest of the employees and management. Opportunity must be given to existing employees to grow within the corporate structure of the company, especially young vibrant professionals who have a lot to offer.
"We need an innovative thinking board that looks at the long-term development of the company and new technologies available as well as alternative energy sources.
"The latter is the route that has to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of electricity production and also the lowering of electricity tariffs for consumers," Minister Maurice Lake explained on Sunday.
WIFOL/ASEWI at the conclusion of the meeting stated that they looked forward to the continued social dialogue.
Minister Lake in conclusion said: "I subscribe to the principle of social dialogue. My door is always open. Let me know when there is an issue so I can address it. Thank you for bringing me up to date. I believe in the bottoms-up approach and going back to basics.
"I look forward to the General Assembly, as I think this is a very important step where all employees attending have the opportunity via their representatives to ask questions, but also at the same time to be informed. Success is measured by how many people you bring along, not by just one person," Minister Maurice Lake concluded.
Minister Lake was supported by members of his Cabinet Joseph Richardson, Senior Advisor, and Veronica Webster-, Chef of the Cabinet.