Philipsburg:--- Leader of the National Alliance William Marlin has dispatched an email to Valya Pantophlet from the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association informing her that his faction members in parliament are more than willing to meet with the SHTA and other stakeholders to further discuss the proposal they submitted to Parliament to amend the civil code. Marlin also provided Pantophlet with the draft amendments which he submitted to Parliament for her perusal.A copy of the email was sent to SMN News reads he Marlin understands that the SHTA wants a copy of the draft amendment of the civil code. The National Alliance Leader also made clear that his faction has no intention to abolish the short term labour contract agreements but they want to stop the abuse of the short term contracts which is also the wish of every citizen on St. Martin. Marlin said the proposal is simple, he said for jobs that are of a permanent nature the signing of short term contracts should not be permitted.
Marlin asked how is it possible, for a casino to operate 7 days a week, almost 24 hours a day and all Slot Attendants are on contract, one after the other, year after year. Sometimes for as long as 13 years.
How is it possible for a supermarket to be open 363 days of the year and the cashiers to be on contract? These are the abuses the National Alliance wants to put an end to. No business can be operational 365 days of the year, but want to have staff only on contract. Marlin said in his email.
There must be a minimum amount of staff during the low season and there is absolutely no problem with hiring extra staff for the high season the National Alliance leader said but it is unacceptable for all the staff of a business that operates 365 days of the year to be on short term contracts. It is clear that businesses have been abusing the provision the law allows, and this has to stop Marlin said.
It is unacceptable that St. Maarteners cannot share in the progress of their country, by purchasing a home, getting a mortgage to build a home or qualify for a substantial loan, simply because they are continuously on contracts.
The faction of the National Alliance is prepared to have an open and honest discussion with the SHTA and all other Social Partners on this issue the email concluded.
Click here to view the first version of the Amendment to Civil Code.
Click here to view the corrected version of the Amendment to Civil Code which was presented to the Chairlady of Parliament.