Three 2026 SER advice requests pending as union issue remains unresolved

GREAT BAY--Three requests for advice submitted to the Social Economic Council (SER) in 2026 remain pending, involving rent regulation, a supplementary pension system and changes to St. Maarten's old-age pension legislation. Meanwhile, the appointment of employee representatives to the Council remains unresolved amid ongoing issues related to trade unions over the allocation of three seats and questions concerning the requirements for representation.

Information obtained by The People's Tribune shows that the first request, submitted on February 6 by Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg, concerns a draft initiative National Ordinance addressing the rent market value threshold. A second request, submitted on February 9 by former Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Richinel Brug, seeks advice on the establishment of a supplementary pension system for St. Maarten. Brug also submitted a third request on April 21 concerning proposed amendments to Articles 7a and 8 of the National Ordinance on General Old Age Insurance (AOV).

The three matters address areas of social and economic policy affecting residents, including housing affordability, retirement income and the country's pension framework. However, their consideration comes at a time when the SER is still awaiting the finalization of appointments to its employee representative positions.

Sources familiar with the situation indicate that concerns have been raised about certain requirements being imposed on the unions, which are considered inconsistent with provisions of the National Ordinance establishing the SER. PM Luc Mercelina was contact on Monday to provide clarity but up to publication of this article no response had been received by the PM.

The unions are required to reach a mutual agreement on their representation before the appointment process can be completed. The People's Tribune understands that the organizations are expected to submit the names of their representatives soon, potentially clearing the way for the appointments to move forward.

The latest developments follow recent reporting on the SER's 2025 Annual Report, which revealed that six advisory requests remained outstanding at the end of that year. Those matters included the establishment of a new poverty line for St. Maarten, amendments to the National Ordinance on Admission and Expulsion, changes to the financial assistance scheme, amendments to corporate income tax legislation, regulations concerning foreign workers and proposed changes to the Code of Civil Procedure.

The outstanding 2025 requests originated from the Ministry of VSA and Members of Parliament, including Omar Ottley and Sjamira Roseburg. Roseburg is the only MP with pending advices at SER in 2025 and 2026.

The SER's annual report also highlighted administrative difficulties that affected its operations during 2025. SER stated that delays in finalizing National Decrees for the Council's chairman and a nominee of the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) prevented certain advisory procedures from being completed, contributing to approximately three additional months of delay, even where substantive advisory work had already progressed.

Despite those challenges, the Council reported completing 10 comprehensive advisory reports during 2025 while addressing a backlog dating to 2023. Its work included advice on public transportation bus tariffs, Early Childhood Development funding, the proposed Visitor's Tax and the Sustainable Affordable Accessible Health Care Act (SAAHA). The SER also held 23 board meetings during the year, including sessions involving expert consultations on major policy proposals.

As an independent advisory body bringing together employer representatives, employee representatives and independent experts, the SER plays a role in assessing legislation and government policies with social and economic implications. Its advice provides Government and Parliament with input before decisions are taken on matters affecting businesses, workers and residents.

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