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.

Megathreads and spaces to hang out:

reminders:

  • 💚 You nerds can join specific comms to see posts about all sorts of topics
  • 💙 Hexbear’s algorithm prioritizes struggle sessions over upbears
  • 💜 Sorting by new you nerd
  • 🌈 If you ever want to make your own megathread, you can go here nerd

Links To Resources (Aid and Theory):

Aid:

Theory:

by the way, if you bring the current struggle session here to the general megathread, i will ban you from the comm and remove your comment, have a good day :meow-coffee: