Social dialogue as key to progress in Dutch-speaking Caribbean

Willemstad, October 24, 2024 – The Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao urges greater cooperation across the Dutch-speaking Caribbean to confront shared socioeconomic challenges. This call follows a two-day workshop organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), held on October 11-12 at the Torarica Hotel in Paramaribo, Suriname. The event, focused on Suriname, brought together government, employer, and labor representatives to strengthen bipartite and tripartite social dialogue.

The workshop addressed two pressing issues: the formalization of the informal sector and a just transition to a sustainable economy. These topics are critical for Suriname, where the informal sector constitutes a significant portion of the labor market. “Formalizing the informal economy is essential for securing social protection and improving employment opportunities,” said one of the attending experts.

However, the workshop also revealed significant obstacles that hinder the effectiveness of social dialogue in Suriname. Chief among these challenges is the lack of mutual trust between social partners—government, employers, and workers. This distrust stifles constructive discussions and delays the achievement of shared goals. “Without trust and respect, any dialogue is doomed to fail,” participants emphasized.

The workshop featured representatives from a broad spectrum of Surinamese organizations, including the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Youth Affairs. Employer groups like the Suriname Business Association (VSB) and the Association of Surinamese Manufacturers (ASFA) were joined by unions such as the Central Organization of Civil Servants (CLO), the General Federation of Surinamese Workers (ABSW), and others.

Recognizing these challenges, participants advocated for targeted training in trust-building and conflict management, alongside a growing push for a centralized dialogue structure. The current fragmentation of consultative bodies often leads to slow decision-making and poor coordination. A centralized approach would accelerate decision-making and strengthen cooperation between social partners. Moreover, it would ensure more efficient use of technical and financial resources, allowing tripartite social dialogue to operate more effectively.

During the workshop, the SER of Curaçao shared his experiences, particularly the success of strong technical, procedural, substantive, and administrative support. This backing ensures that social partners, within a standardized framework, are well-prepared for negotiations and can participate effectively in dialogue. This example demonstrates how internal organizational capacities can contribute to successful and constructive social dialogue.

The SER also stressed the importance of deepening cooperation among Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries and islands, such as Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Suriname, and the BES islands. “Deepening cooperation and sharing best practices will allow us to address labor market reforms and social inequality more effectively,” the SER of Curaçao stated.