ORANJESTAD – The All For 1 Union (AF1), representing staff at the Gwendoline van Putten School (GvP) on St. Eustatius, has formally notified the school board that employees will not begin the 2025–2026 academic year unless critical labor concerns are addressed.
In a letter sent to the board, AF1 stated that “despite repeated assurances and promises made by management, no concrete or tangible steps have been taken” to resolve long-standing issues. The union has declared its intent to initiate legal industrial action, citing protections under BES labor law and the European Social Charter.
AF1 reports the support of over 25 members, qualifying the move as lawful and proportionate under local regulations. The union also voiced concern over internal reports that staff were warned of potential salary withholding if they failed to report to work. AF1 has labeled such measures “unlawful,” noting that labor laws prohibit withholding wages as retaliation for legitimate action.
Tangible steps
The union urges the GvP School Board to present “clear, actionable, and documented steps toward resolution” and says it remains open to working with an independent body to help guide a constructive path forward.
