Labor unions oppose occasional legislation

Several labor union federations that are members of the Council of Labor Union Federations in Suriname (Ravaksur) are not happy about the manner in which the government is financing the salary raises and the purchasing power boosts. Robby Berenstein, chairman of C-47, strongly condemned the government’s tax measures such as the fuel price hike. “It is not a structural solution,” said Berenstein. The labor union federations and the unions will send a letter to the government, to express their objections. Berenstein explained that implementing tax measures to finance salary raises and bonuses is the wrong approach. He recommended adjusting the tax brackets as this would enable the government to get the necessary income from the high income classes while relieving tax pressure for the little man. The introduction of Value-Added Tax (VAT) that has been planned for January 1, 2018 would be an ideal solution. Berenstein, however, does not think that “they will get things done before the deadline.” “We do not see VAT happening in January,” said Berenstein who added that “we are therefore in favor of adjusting the tax brackets.”

C-47, the Teachers’ Association (BvL), the Alliance of Teachers in Suriname (ALS) and other unions have taken notice of the government’s plans to take tax measures in order to help finance the nation’s healthcare sector. “We already want to make it clear to the minister that we are not in favor of that,” said Berenstein who added that he is in favor of revising Social laws. He pointed out that the union movement must also be consulted before decisions are made. “The laws must be evaluated structurally and they must also be revised with the clear support and contribution of the partners. None of the laws was established according to the tripartite principle. It is the government that is the dominating factor.”