The past few weeks have been exciting and uncertain for everyone involved with VDL Nedcar. In this message we will inform you about the current state of affairs. You hear a lot of information and there are messages going around the factory that are simply not correct or only partly true. Don't be fooled by everything that is being told, but hold on to the information that comes from us. With the "question and answer" below, we hope to give you insight into the current situation.
Did VDL Nedcar accept the ultimatum of De Unie?
No, that did not happen and on that basis the members of De Unie also participate in the new actions of the trade unions when that is appropriate again. From that moment on, members with a Complete or Extra membership who participate in the new strike actions can also apply for a strike benefit. When the time comes, we will inform members further about how you can do that.
Is there an agreement between VDL Nedcar and the unions?
No, there is (as yet) no agreement between VDL Nedcar and the unions. VDL Nedcar has submitted a calculation to determine the severance payment.
Have the ongoing promotions stopped?
The actions are not stopped but suspended. If we fail to reach agreement in the forthcoming negotiations, our members can immediately be called to action. Partly due to the past strike days, VDL Nedcar was put under pressure to come to our side with a movement. That happened informally and therefore the actions have been suspended for the time being. Moreover, suspension means that strikes can be called again at any time if necessary. Our ultimatum still remains in effect.
Why is it all taking so long?
We lost a lot of valuable time due to the attitude of VDL Nedcar in the preceding (negotiation) process. We also had to spend a lot of time getting the management to the table to start negotiating an adjusted social plan. Ultimately, VDL Nedcar made a move and only now can we really start making agreements. We would like to make good agreements!
Who decides whether there will be an agreement?
The members of the unions have the last voice in this whole story. If we think or believe that we can present the agreements to you, we will do so in member meetings with a good explanation. If our members agree, the agreements are fixed. If the result is assessed as unsatisfactory, we determine together what the next step will be.
What do we need to talk/negotiate about then?
Basically about everything in the social plan about which we want to make additional agreements. Until now, only the substantive calculation of the severance payment has been discussed. We want an increase in the severance pay and we have it only now. All other topics in our ultimatum are yet to be discussed. This includes the duration of the social plan, the position of the elderly, no obligation to work at other VDL companies, et cetera.
Pressure on the directors and executives
We understand very well that the employees of VDL Nedcar want clarity about the future quickly. However, putting pressure on union leaders and executives does not help to do the process properly and carefully. We also appeal to all of you to keep it neat and controlled. You may be dissatisfied with the way things are going, but enter into the conversation with respect for each other's opinion!
We don't know how many layoffs are involved?
At the moment we do not know how many redundancies we are talking about. VDL Nedcar is still working on acquiring new customers and if that succeeds, the dismissal picture will look different. It is therefore very important that VDL Nedcar quickly comes up with clarity about the exact plans and facts.
Wrong communication
We receive reports that all kinds of information about this process ends up on the work floor. This is often incorrect information. This creates unnecessary uncertainty and anger. We understand that very well, but don't be fooled by all kinds of notes, lists of amounts you would receive, et cetera. It is not final until we have submitted it to the members. We have requested the management of VDL Nedcar not to cooperate with the premature release of information.
We now want to take steps as quickly as possible
We have informed VDL Nedcar that the promotions have been suspended and that we now want to reach good agreements as soon as possible. We are also dealing with the difficult period we are in now with various holidays and bridging days. The expectation is that we need 2 to 3 full days to get everything up and running and then we can go to the members to discuss the content. Keep following the messages in the meantime.
Closing
We hope that this information has given you a little more insight into the process we are currently in. We do everything we can to come to good agreements for an adapted social plan.
Contact
If you have any questions about this message, you can contact the representative Suat Koetloe by e-mail. suat.koetloe@unie.nl or by calling 06-5252 2061.
