
With this newsletter, we update you on the discussions De Unie and other trade unions are having with HR about the announced transformation of Booking.com. These discussions cover the Voting Letter Scheme (VLS), the social plan, the negotiation process, and communication. Due to Booking.com’s confidentiality policy regarding its own negotiating position, we can only share information related to the trade unions’ positions and proposals.
Join De Unie
Support and Communication
The VLS will only hold value for Booking.com if it is accepted by its employees. Therefore, it is essential that we aim for an agreement with sufficient support. We advocate for greater transparency from Booking.com about its intentions regarding the VLS and social plan. Open communication enables employees to stay informed, reduces uncertainty, and helps set realistic expectations.
Our Position on the VLS
Our members acknowledge the need for organizational changes but do not see sufficient financial justification for this reorganization at present. Based on member feedback, we have adjusted our position for the VLS, particularly regarding severance pay and one-off payments. Our updated proposal for the VLS includes:
- Severance Pay: 1.2 gross monthly salaries per year of service, including fixed and agreed salary components such as holiday pay and structural weekend/evening allowances. Any additional months not forming a full year will be paid pro-rata;
- One-Off Payment: 3 months’ salary, with a minimum of €15,000 gross;
- Notice Period: A minimum notice period of 3 months;
- Outplacement Support: 3 months of coaching through Risesmart (to start no later than 3 months after the termination date);
- RSUs: Accelerated vesting until March 2026 or an equivalent one-off payment;
- Laptop: Retention of the company laptop until the termination date;
- Legal Costs: €1,000 including office fees and VAT, non-repayable even if no agreement is reached after legal consultation;
- Unemployment Benefits: A statement in the settlement agreement confirming that employees leaving under the VLS do so due to a company decision, ensuring eligibility for unemployment benefits (similar to the 2020 agreements).
No changes have been made to the other (unspecified) aspects of the VLS. The updated counterproposal was presented to HR at Booking.com on Friday, January 17, 2025. Further negotiations with HR will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025.
We Value Your Input
What are your thoughts on the developments, the VLS, and the social plan? Please share your feedback by completing this response form no later than 12:00 PM on January 24, 2025. Your response will be handled confidentially.
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