Eman denies coalition deadlock, insists on minimum wage increase

ORANJESTAD — Prime Minister Mike Eman has denied that the AVP–FUTURO coalition is currently deadlocked over plans to raise the minimum wage toward the subsistence level (bestaansminimum). According to Eman, the disagreement between the coalition partners mainly concerns the pace at which the proposed increase should be implemented. Eman made the remarks on Wednesday following his regular meeting with Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt. He stressed that the meeting was routine and not related to a possible government crisis. "There is no deadlock at this moment. There is a difference in emphasis between the parties," Eman explained, adding that FUTURO also recognizes the need for higher wages but wants more time for dialogue.

DIALOGUE MUST NOT BECOME AN OBSTACLE

Eman criticized the attitude of some business representatives, arguing that they have failed to participate effectively in discussions on wage increases for more than a year and a half. According to the prime minister, the government remains willing to negotiate compensation, tax reductions or other measures to ease the financial burden on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. However, he warned that dialogue should not become a means of postponing the increase indefinitely. Eman also rejected personal attacks and the increasingly confrontational tone of the public debate, insisting that disagreements should be addressed through facts and figures.

CURRENT WAGES ARE INSUFFICIENT

Eman defended the proposed wage increase, arguing that many families cannot meet their basic expenses on their current income. "If you earn 2,100 florins but need 2,600 florins to cover minimum living expenses, you face a 500-florin shortfall. It is not fair for people to live like that," he argued. According to Eman, Aruba's economic growth, particularly in tourism, must also benefit workers. He pointed out that hotel prices have increased considerably in recent years, while the minimum wage has not kept pace.

DISAGREEMENT OVER SUBSISTENCE-LEVEL LINK

Another point of contention is the proposal to link the minimum wage directly to the subsistence level. Eman acknowledged that business organizations have reservations about such a mechanism. He explained that the advantage of linking the two is that the minimum wage could be adjusted automatically as living costs rise, preventing workers from repeatedly losing purchasing power. Eman expressed confidence that AVP, FUTURO and business organizations could ultimately reach an agreement. He emphasized that his government's priority must remain ensuring that Aruba's economic growth translates into improved living standards for those with the fewest financial resources.