St. Maarten School Bus Owners Association (SSBOA) members and their lawyer Cor Merx.
PHILIPSBURG--The government of St. Maarten has approved the long-awaited service level agreement (SLA) between the government and school bus operators, according to a press statement by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS) Rodolphe Samuel on Sunday.
Samuel expressed his satisfaction with the rigorous evaluation, collaboration and commitment to better education and student services in St. Maarten.
Effective September 15, the approved SLA marks the culmination of a transparent and thorough process aimed at benefiting the government, operators, and, most importantly, the end-users. Samuel said that several operators had already signed agreements, demonstrating their dedication to providing exceptional services to citizens, according to the minister. The ministry looks forward to working with all 25 operators, honouring existing relationships with bus operators.
To address any concerns raised by operators, a meeting of the St. Maarten School Bus Owners Association (SSBOA) and ECYS Minister was held on September 15. During this meeting, the board’s concerns were addressed, and a commitment was made to convene within two weeks after all operators had signed off on the agreement. The discussions will focus on matters such as compensation review and the introduction of a fleet management system.
“According to the SSBOA’s lawyer, Cor Merx, the industrial action started by the St. Maarten School Bus Owners Association (SSBOA) and its membership on Friday, September 22, a result of requests that have been made for an increase in compensation or a commitment related to the same before signing off on the agreement,” the statement noted.
“However, during extensive discussions with the SSBOA on September 15, the Minister of ECYS outlined that the agreement has provisions in place to ensure that the required compensation review is done in collaboration with school bus operators.
“Despite this, regrettably, the SSBOA has continued to advise its members not to sign off on the joint agreement, a position which placed the safety and well-being of students at risk with its threats of a “go slow” and possible strike.
In response to this situation, the ministry took proactive measures to ensure continuity of services. Collaborations have been established with the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), as well as the police department, school boards, schools, and parents. These efforts aim to minimise disruption and prioritise the safety of all students.
Samuel outlined multiple benefits that the approved SLA offers. Firstly, it establishes clear and stringent service delivery standards, ensuring the consistently high quality of educational and student services. Secondly, it elevates accountability among operators through performance measurement and assessments, leading to more effective and responsible service management. Thirdly, it promotes efficient resource allocation, ensuring optimal use of public funds, and strengthens collaboration between the government and operators.
The SLA is a comprehensive framework designed to improve student busing services, promoting collaboration and adaptability between the government and operators. Article 1.2 allows for periodic reviews of compensation and routes to adapt to changing needs, while Article 9 encourages regular consultations to address challenges and promote improvements. Article 16 enables future amendments with both parties’ agreement, ensuring the SLA remains effective amidst evolving circumstances.
Additionally, the ministry is procuring a state-of-the-art fleet and student tracking system to provide real-time tracking of student transportation, ensuring their safety and on-time arrivals.
Samuel said the ministry remains committed to working closely with operators and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the SLA and the upcoming fleet and student tracking system.
The St. Maarten School Bus Owners Association said on Friday, September 22, that it will initiate a go-slow action over disputes with its contracts with the Minister of Education.
The legal representative of the association, Cor Merx, stated on Friday that the association has been in contact with the Minister of Education for several months regarding the contract for the coming years.
He said the minister wants many changes made, which the association agrees with, but is not willing to pay the price for school bus drivers to deliver and pick up children safely from school.
According to the lawyer, the minister informed the association that they have to sign or leave and that he will bring the contract in bidding. The association requested a meeting with the minister to discuss their concerns, but the minister refused to change his point of view.
As a result, the association held a meeting with all school bus drivers on Pond fill Road across from Blue Point at 12:00pm on Friday.
In this meeting, members of the association decided upon a “slow-motion” in delivering and picking up children from school. “They do not want to harass parents for something the minister should take care of.” This means that school buses may not be on time as long as the minister refuses to change his point of view. “It is not excluded that the next stage will be a total strike; the members do not want that but will have no other choice,” said Merx.
Just before school closed on Friday afternoon, Minister of Education Rodolphe Samuel issued an urgent letter to all subsidised school boards. The minister stated that a go slow was to take place on Friday, leaving limited transportation available for school children.
