Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. (Reuters/Yves Herman file photo)

THE HAGUE--The Dutch government has no plans at the moment to offer an apology for slavery and the Dutch role in the slave trade, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said during an often heated debate on racism and discrimination on Wednesday evening.

AIRPORT--Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) operating company PJIAE chief executive officer (CEO) Brian Mingo said on Thursday that while he understands staff sentiments, the airport’s reopening cannot be comprised.

The slavery abolition monument in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark, draped in red and black cloth.

By Marvin Hokstam

AMSTERDAM--Apologies from the Dutch authorities for Holland’s role in transatlantic slavery failed to materialise again as Amsterdam commemorated the Abolition of Slavery on Wednesday, July 1. However, the event nonetheless left the impression that awareness about its past is growing in the Netherlands, even though the event this year did not have the festive nature for which it has become known.

Wednesday’s protest action in front of the airport.

~ Crucial union/management meeting set for Friday ~

 AIRPORT-- Multiple failed attempts at concluding negotiations between airport operating company PJIAE and trade union ABVO in recent weeks led to further frustration of airport employees, who amplified protest measures on Wednesday, July 1, by not only marching with signs and chants, but also effectively shutting down the airport to flights.

The Second Chamber’s Permanent Committee for Kingdom Relations during a debate with State Secretary of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations Raymond Knops on Wednesday, asked about the 12.5 per cent across-the-board salary cut. (Suzanne Koelega photo)

 THE HAGUE--The Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament has no problem with the Dutch government setting firm conditions for the provision of financial help for Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten, but it does have an issue with essential workers and those with lower salaries having to take a 12.5 per cent salary cut, especially when top civil servants and directors are spared.