The announcement that businesses will be allowed to open on Christmas Day sparked quite some debate. Two cruise-ship calls are scheduled and the thinking is that, in light of all the losses suffered since Hurricane Irma struck, this opportunity for some earnings should not be taken away.
It’s normally one of the Dutch side’s mandatory shop closure dates, along with Good Friday and St. Maarten Day on November 11. New Year’s Day used to be included as well, but that has changed recently for the same reason of not wanting to lose the business, with often up to a dozen or more vessels bringing thousands of passengers to the island.
The matter is controversial in this case because Christmas is seen as a time to spend with family and exceptions for December 25 have rarely been given.
However, the current situation is an exceptional one, as the growing number of persons seeking social aid indicates. It’s about not just the employers, but also their personnel finally making some money again.
Most private sector employees by law can’t be forced to work on a public holiday and when they do must be paid extra. For many the latter makes it worthwhile, although – on the other hand – it may be a reason for a company to stay closed if that additional cost can’t be covered.
People say the workers have no real choice, because not showing up will hurt their chances for a raise and/or promotion, and there is probably some truth to that. However, steps exist that can be taken against perceived labour abuse.
Perhaps the most compelling argument in favour of the latest decision is that December up to now has only 10 days with cruise-ship visits, compared to more than one practically the entire month under normal circumstances.
With so many exemptions for bar/restaurants, bakeries, gas stations, pharmacies and businesses in the hotels, the airport and the harbour, the measure’s effectiveness in terms of keeping people at home isn’t very high anyway.
Taking all the aforementioned into account, it was simply the right thing to do.
