chairman of the union at the Telecommunication Company Suriname (Telesur), in response to the introduction of VVU which is basically an early retirement plan.

Mac Intosh pointed out that many employees still do not know what to think of this plan. In the past there was a similar plan but only a few employees were actually interested in it. “Some of those employees then contacted the union and we assured them that we would give our opinion if management presented a solid proposal. And that is what we have done.”

NV Telesur is introducing the VVU plan as part of its strategy aimed at controlling expenses and making the company strong for the future. The early retirement is for employees who are close to the retirement age and who have been part of the company's workforce for dozens of years or more than 35 to be exact. The early retirement plan will start with a pilot phase.

Although the union was not involved when the plan was drawn up, it was present at the consultations and managed to push through several of its demands. “We demanded that health insurance be given to employees who opt for early retirement,” said Mac Intosh who added that the number of employees who sign up for early retirement will indicate if this plan has the full support of the employees. “We will keep a close eye on the execution of this plan. But one thing remains clear to us and that is that it must remain fully voluntarily,” said the union chairman.