With this newsletter we inform you about the conversations that De Unie and other trade unions have with HR about the announced transformation of Booking.com. We are getting close to an agreement, but per usual, the last mile can be treacherous.
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Confidentiality
As you probably already know, we are in the process of negotiating a VLS and social plan. Since Booking.com has expressed confidentiality about its own negotiating position, we can only share matters relating to the involvement of the trade unions in the negotiations.
Last Mile
We have now had 11 meetings to arrive at an early departure scheme (VLS) and social plan. We are puzzling on the last pieces of the puzzle. On January 30, 2025, we received an explanation from CFO Uvashni Raman on the motivations of Booking.com behind the reorganization. The rationale is also in the request for advice that is currently being assessed by the Works Council (OR) of Booking.com.
On 12 February 2025, the trade unions, together with a delegation from the Works Council, negotiated with HR & Legal about the last points still on the table, communication to the employees and the further process. The trade unions work closely and well with the Works Council of Booking.com and coordinate our own and joint steps each time. In this way, we work carefully and steadily towards a result.
Next Steps
On Wednesday 19 February 2025, we will also try to finalise the last open points and arrive at a negotiation result on the VLS and social plan. In our communication afterwards, we want to include topics such as visas, application of VLS and a Q&A.
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On why joining a union as an expat is useful
Ever wondered if joining a union was something you should do or not? We wrote a blog explaining why!
Contact
As always, please reach out to our advocate emanuel.guerts@unie.nl for further inqueries, comments and questions you still may have.
