On this day in 2016, a general strike on the island of Curacao took place in support of striking contract workers at the oil refinery Isla. The strike caused massive power outages, affecting 80% of the island; workers won by the next day.

Refinery workers had been striking unsuccessfully for more than a week, demanding a lump sum of 3,000 guilders (USD $1500) as compensation for the years in which the employers did not compensate their pay for inflation.

On September 13th, seventeen unions and two trade union federations wrote a letter to the Governor in support the strikes, including the demand of the lump sum. That afternoon, former minister and union leader Errol Cova announced a general strike that would begin on September 15th.

On that day, the general strike began, causing massive power outages that affected up to 80% of the island. The lack of air conditioning in the hot climate was frustrating for both locals and tourists.

By the next day, the workers won their demands, including the lump sum, in total 1.8 million guilders for union members. Despite the widespread labor action, there were no reports of rioting or violence according to the Curacao Chronicle.

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    • HarryLime [any]
      ·
      2 years ago

      People expect cats to be dogs. Cats can be friendly, but you have to try and understand things from their point of view.

    • AmericaDelendeEst [any]
      ·
      2 years ago

      Cats are really weird though, they do weird things. Dogs will be like "pet me hug me let me sit on you!" cats will jump on your chair and tap your shoulder and sit there but if you turn around to acknowledge them they flee. Or come up to you clearly wanting pets but stay slightly too far away so you have to reach for it and it's uncomfortable :angery: