Reliable sources stated that the workers and the union are demanding a 20% increase in salary, their pension plan and benefits for dark hour workers. The 20% requested by the union and its members is a mere 2% per year based on the expired CLA. One source said the 2% increase per year is far less than the annual cost of living increases that workers face daily, not to mention the 5% TOT that was added their bills this year.
SMN News further learnt that the management of SMMC made an offer of 8% increase in salary claiming that if they agreed to the union's demand it would add an additional 3 million guilders to the medical institution's monthly expenses. The source said the government mediator has informed the management of the SMMC that their 8% salary increase is unacceptable and that they need to go back to the drawing board and come back with better figures.
The union and management of the St. Maarten Medical Center continued their negotiations on Monday. SMN News learnt that parties are now discussing the financial side of the CLA and if all matters are cleared up then an agreement will be reached by this weekend.
The union also wants to know how SMMC management would deal with the workers requests which according to the union have been neglected for years. It is further understood that the workers are asking for a package of instruments to assist them in carrying out their duties.
SMN News learnt that when the workers (nurses and medical staff) decided that they would wear civilian clothes on Saturday to show that they are not happy with the negotiations someone from management threatened the workers saying if the protest is not stopped then disciplinary measures will be taken.
The source said the union and management of the St. Maarten Medical Center met all weekend as they continue the negotiations. The source said the government mediator has issued a gag order to both parties barring them from speaking to the press as the negotiations continues.
