SEPPA calls for minimum wage that covers living costs

ORANJESTAD — Trade union SEPPA is urging the government and Parliament to gradually raise the minimum wage to a level that allows workers to cover basic needs and live with dignity. The union argues that concerns about business costs should not continually take priority over workers’ wellbeing.

In its October 19 statement, SEPPA compares a monthly minimum wage of Afl. 2,007.20 with a cited estimate of approximately Afl. 2,697 needed for a single person to live decently—a monthly gap of Afl. 689.80.

The union acknowledges that increases affect businesses and sectors differently but stresses that a legally compliant wage does not automatically cover housing, food, utilities and transport.

Referring to the International Labour Organization’s living wage concept, SEPPA advocates gradual progress based on living-cost data and social dialogue. It demands concrete political action and says workers should share in the prosperity they help create.