Three 2026 SER advice requests remain pending as union seats await appointments

Three requests for advice submitted to the Social Economic Council (SER) in 2026 remain pending, covering rent regulation, a supplementary pension system and amendments to old-age pension legislation. The requests were filed between 6 February and 21 April.

Employee representative appointments to the council also remain unresolved. The issue concerns the allocation of three seats and representation requirements for trade unions, according to the reported information.

Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg submitted the first request on 6 February. It concerns a draft initiative National Ordinance on the rent market value threshold.

Former Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Richinel Brug submitted a request on 9 February for advice on establishing a supplementary pension system for St. Maarten. Brug submitted another request on 21 April on proposed amendments to Articles 7a and 8 of the National Ordinance on General Old Age Insurance (AOV).

The unions must reach agreement on their representation before employee representatives can be appointed to the SER. The council brings together employer representatives, employee representatives and independent experts to advise Government and Parliament on social and economic policy.

The SER reported that six advisory requests were still outstanding at the end of 2025. It also reported completing 10 advisory reports and holding 23 board meetings during that year.