Trade unions CNV and FNV have launched a petition to urge Transcom to make improvements to the company's social plan. Transcom intends to close the Groningen branch – which is also its only branch in the Netherlands. There is a significant gap between the offered severance pay (factor 1,2) and what the employees expect from the company (factor 1,7).

 

The unions point out that many employees have contributed to Transcom's success for years, some even for decades, with their dedication, knowledge, and loyalty. Company figures show that Transcom is performing increasingly well, and trade media such as Ziptone and CustomerFirst report on the positive financial developments and Transcom's successful course.

The employees consider the severance pay based on a factor of 1,2, as set out in the Transcom's final offer is included, insufficient. The employees state in this regard that the loss of jobs is not the result of performance, but of a strategic choice of the companyThe employees also refer to agreements reached during similar reorganizations. At Teleperformance and Concentrix, among others, social plans were agreed upon with a severance payment factor of 1,7. For a full-time employee with seven years of service, the difference approaches 4.000 euros.

The option in the social plan, which was overwhelmingly voted down by CNV members, to start working in Spain did not receive much enthusiasm among the employees. This is according to Roderik Mol, a CNV board member. He has no direct explanation for the difference between the final offer from Transcom on the one hand (a transition payment factor of 1,2) and TP and Concentrix on the other (who previously reached a factor of 1,7 with the unions).

A contributing factor may be that the latter companies want to remain attractive to Dutch clients and are aware of the impression they leave, according to Mol. “Your social plan is an extension of your views on how you want to treat employees.”

“When you are employed, it is ‘one big family,’ but if there is trouble, things are suddenly different. It is a choice regarding how you spend your money, because Transcom has financial leeway.”

The authors of the petition therefore refer to the way in which Transcom positions itself as a good employer, attaching great value to good employment practices, sustainable development, inclusion, personal growth, and social responsibility. “In its Sustainability Report and ESG policy, the company states that people are central and that sustainable value is created for employees, customers, and other stakeholders.”

Whether Transcom translates those values ​​into euros remains to be seen. The company's CFO, Cecilia Bergendahl, spoke explicitly last month about the way the company intends to withdraw from less profitable markets. Not only must the number of sites in EMEA and Europe be reduced, but the company also wants to minimize closure costs.

The petition, intended to send a signal to the management and shareholder of Transcom, can be submitted until to be signed Monday morning at 9:00 AMIf the company does not come up with a better offer, the unions can resort to taking action.

It is not yet clear when the Transcom operation in Groningen will stop – Mol is anticipating the end of this year.

(Ziptone/editors)

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