The primary impact has been on managerial capacity. In addition to the official language, Dutch, most middle- class Surinamers are proficient in English. Suriname has a large pool of clerical and maintenance workers. Low government salaries are encouraging many well-educated civil servants to seek employment with private firms. The government is also planning to decrease the size of the civil service apparatus as part of its structural adjustment program.
Union membership is strong, and unions play a big role in determining salary levels.
In general, the government favors workers over employers. The employee is safeguarded by labor legislation, which has been in force since 1947 with only minor changes. However, most unions recognize the need to cooperate with employers to further investment, development and worker prosperity. There are restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that may leave Suriname. Billiton, a subsidy of Gencor, operates open pit bauxite mines.