SER Curaçao issues advice to parliament on equal labor standards for aviation, port and maritime sectors

WILLEMSTAD, December 10, 2025 — The Social-Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao today submitted its formal advice to the Parliament of Curaçao regarding a legislative initiative by the MAN-PIN parliamentary group. The proposed amendment aims to bring labor standards for employees in the aviation, port and maritime sectors in line with those applicable to other employees protected under the 2000 Labor Regulation.

Under the proposed revision, workers in these sectors who fall under the 2000 Labor Regulation would be subject to the same rules on working hours, rest periods, overtime, and work on Sundays and public holidays as other employees protected under that regulation. A limited exception would be retained only for work carried out on foreign vessels or aircraft, to respect the territorial scope of Curaçao’s legislation.

In assessing the proposal, the SER examined three aspects: legal compatibility, socioeconomic implications and practical enforceability. The analysis covered how the draft amendment integrates within the existing labor-law framework, applicable international conventions and the structure of the domestic labor market. Additionally, the SER evaluated practical consequences for employers, employees and authorities, including requirements for time-tracking and the capacity of the Labor Inspectorate.