SPA calls for attention during Divali to the protection of Surinamese workers and labour market policy

In its Divali message, the SPA emphasises that the Festival of Lights not only has religious and cultural significance, but also provides an opportunity to reflect on social issues. The party links the symbolism of light to the need to offer workers more prospects in a changing economy.

According to the SPA, work forms the basis of human dignity, livelihood security and social development. Economic growth should therefore not be assessed solely on the basis of investment and production, but also on the basis of the benefits enjoyed by workers and their families.

Concerns over influx of foreign workers

The party points to anticipated changes in the Surinamese labour market as a result of developments in the oil and gas sector, offshore industry, construction, services and related sectors. According to the SPA, these developments may lead to greater demand for specialised workers and an increasing influx of foreign workers.

The SPA emphasises that foreign expertise can make a positive contribution to Suriname’s economic development. According to the party, international labour mobility can result in knowledge transfer, innovation and higher productivity.

At the same time, it warns of the possible displacement of local workers, unequal working conditions and insufficient investment in the development of Surinamese workers.

“E​​conomic growth must not come at the expense of the development opportunities of the Surinamese worker,” the party states.

According to the SPA, qualified Surinamese workers must be given full opportunities for available jobs. Where foreign expertise is necessary, knowledge transfer to local workers must form a fixed part of the agreements with employers and investors.

SPA advocates five measures

To better prepare the labour market for the anticipated economic developments, the SPA advocates an integrated labour market policy based on reliable data, scientific research and an analysis of supply and demand.

The party identifies five key policy directions:

1. Protection of local workers: when filling jobs, the availability and qualifications of Surinamese workers must be taken into account.
2. Targeted labour migration: the admission of foreign workers must be transparent and linked to demonstrable shortages of specific expertise.
3. Knowledge transfer and training: foreign experts must contribute to the development of the knowledge and skills of Surinamese workers.
4. Decent working conditions: workers must be able to count on fair pay, safe working conditions and protection of their labour rights, regardless of their nationality.
5. Strategic workforce planning: educational institutions, vocational training programmes and policymakers must work more closely together to prepare workers for the future needs of the economy.

According to the SPA, decisions on labour market policy must not be determined solely by political ambitions or investors’ immediate staffing needs.

Better alignment between education and the labour market

The party calls for particular attention to the position of young people. Education and training policy must better match the skills and professional qualifications that will be needed in the coming years.

According to the SPA, the government must also gain greater insight into the influx of foreign workers. Better registration and regulation are necessary to guide labour migration responsibly.

The party states that foreign and Surinamese workers do not have to view each other as competitors. Both groups can contribute to the development of the country, provided there is a balanced labour market policy in which rights and interests are protected.

The SPA further emphasises that Suriname’s economic transformation must be accompanied by social justice. Without sufficient attention to the position of workers, the party says there is a risk that economic growth will lead to greater social inequality.

Divali as a call for social responsibility

In its message, the SPA also reflects on the cultural and religious significance of Divali. The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness, of knowledge over ignorance and of good over evil.

According to the party, the national celebration of Divali reflects Suriname’s multicultural identity. The various religious and cultural traditions together form an important part of Surinamese society.

The SPA therefore also sees the Festival of Lights as a moment for reflection for policymakers, employers and workers.

“For a country truly develops only when not only capital grows, but also the person whose labour makes that growth possible,” the party states.

The SPA concludes its message with a wish for a blessed Divali for the entire Surinamese society, particularly the Hindu community. The party also calls for the light of Divali to shine on the future of labour and employment in Suriname.