ATIA criticizes minimum wage dialogue process and prime minister's public statements

ORANJESTAD — ATIA has expressed disappointment with the consultation process surrounding the minimum wage and the public statements made by Prime Minister Mike Eman. The business association outlined its concerns in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon.

According to ATIA, one of its representatives, together with representatives of two other business organizations, received an invitation to participate in a social dialogue on April 8.

Following the first meeting, it was agreed that the business sector, labor unions and the Government of Aruba would each submit proposed agenda items and establish clear protocols to govern the consultation process. These arrangements were considered essential to facilitating constructive discussions and jointly developing possible solutions.

However, after the second meeting, it became apparent that none of the topics submitted by the business organizations were being addressed. Furthermore, the prime minister did not accept the protocols proposed by either the business organizations or the labor unions.

ATIA emphasized that establishing clear protocols is particularly important because previous consultation processes have demonstrated a tendency by the government to selectively adopt certain outcomes while disregarding others.

During the second meeting, according to ATIA, the prime minister indicated that he would not accept the proposed protocols and stated that the legislation could be implemented without the participation or input of the business sector.

As a result, ATIA maintains that no substantive dialogue took place among the participants. Nor were any studies, analyses or supporting information shared to substantiate the proposed policy.

For these reasons, ATIA regrets the prime minister's public statements suggesting that the matter has already been extensively studied and debated.

The association stressed that it has always remained open to constructive dialogue. However, meaningful consultation requires genuine participation from all stakeholders, rather than a process in which the outcome has effectively been determined before discussions even begin.

ATIA reiterated its support for measures aimed at strengthening purchasing power and improving workers' well-being. At the same time, it emphasized that decisions of this nature must be based on transparent, comprehensive information and thorough analysis.

Unfortunately, the association concluded, no studies, reports or supporting information were presented to participants during any of the meetings.