(Belga) The strike movement by Engie Electrabel workers following 16 dismissals for serious misconduct is currently suspended. Consultations with management have indeed made it possible to identify openings, said Ben Bellekens, union representative of the CSC, on Wednesday. Talks will resume on Friday.
Trade unionists set up a picket on Wednesday at the headquarters of Engie Electrabel in Brussels. This protest action stems from the sanctions and dismissals of employees who allegedly extended fixed contracts in favor of some of their colleagues. Staff members have, among themselves, “created fixed contracts with retroactive prices, which is against the ethics and instructions of our company”, Engie said. The unions recognize the mistakes made, but speak of shared responsibility. Engie’s communication would, according to them, have been confused. They also believe the company went too far in firing 16 employees for gross misconduct. Following the consultations which took place on Wednesday, “the management is ready to review the nature of the dismissals, in particular the reason for serious misconduct”, declared Mr. Bellekens. Whether the layoffs will be reversed remains to be seen. “Two options are considered for each employee concerned: termination of the contract by mutual agreement, or the allocation of another position within the group accompanied, despite everything, by sanctions”, confirmed a spokesperson. “We see this as an opening,” explained the trade unionist. “We hope this will help restore serenity in customer services.” (Belga)
Trade unionists set up a picket on Wednesday at the headquarters of Engie Electrabel in Brussels. This protest action stems from the sanctions and dismissals of employees who allegedly extended fixed contracts in favor of some of their colleagues. Staff members have, among themselves, “created fixed contracts with retroactive prices, which is against the ethics and instructions of our company”, Engie said. The unions recognize the mistakes made, but speak of shared responsibility. Engie’s communication would, according to them, have been confused. They also believe the company went too far in firing 16 employees for gross misconduct. Following the consultations which took place on Wednesday, “the management is ready to review the nature of the dismissals, in particular the reason for serious misconduct”, declared Mr. Bellekens. Whether the layoffs will be reversed remains to be seen. “Two options are considered for each employee concerned: termination of the contract by mutual agreement, or the allocation of another position within the group accompanied, despite everything, by sanctions”, confirmed a spokesperson. “We see this as an opening,” explained the trade unionist. “We hope this will help restore serenity in customer services.” (Belga)