After more than a year of structured negotiations, the Integra/DP World Workers Organization (IWWO) and DP World’s Paramaribo operations have finalized and agreed to their first-ever collective labor agreement, a landmark deal that establishes a formal framework for labor-management relations at the South American port facility.
Robby Berenstein, chairperson of IWWO and the figure identified second from left in accompanying photos of the negotiations, called the new agreement a critical foundational milestone for future collaboration between the port’s workforce and its executive leadership. Negotiations for the deal were first launched in June 2025, when representatives from IWWO’s governing board and DP World Paramaribo’s management came together to draft an initial outline that set core priorities and ground rules for talks. By March 2026, the parties had produced a fully developed draft agreement complete with specific, binding clauses and operational provisions.
Berenstein emphasized that the entire negotiation process unfolded in a constructive, collaborative atmosphere. He credited open dialogue, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to crafting a modern, balanced agreement that meets the needs of both sides for the efficient, successful completion of talks. “We are delighted that this process has resulted in an agreement that aligns with the needs of today and prepares us to address the challenges of tomorrow,” Berenstein stated in remarks following the finalization of the deal.
DP World Paramaribo’s negotiation team was led by a cross-functional group of senior leaders including People Manager Xamira Visser, Chief Executive Officer Mervel Kotzebue, and Shalinie Ramdjas, Employee Engagement and Compensation Human Resources Business Partner.
As the first formal collective bargaining agreement between the two organizations, particular focus was placed throughout negotiations on striking a fair, sustainable balance between the interests of the port’s 83 IWWO member workers and the operational needs of DP World as the employer. The finalized accord formalizes agreements on a range of core workplace issues, including employment terms, worker rights, and shared responsibilities for both parties.
For IWWO, the new agreement also represents a key step forward in professionalizing formal social dialogue within DP World Paramaribo. The organization says the deal will serve as a enduring framework for long-term sustainable labor relations, tying together worker interests, business growth, and constructive social partnership between management and the workforce. Currently, IWWO counts 83 registered members among DP World Paramaribo’s staff.