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Proximus staff is fed up with the lack of clarity about the merger

Published: 18 March 2008
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On February 28 Belgian unions LBC-CNE-BBTk started discussions trying to clarify the status of the integration of Proximus staff and support departments in Belgacom.

After hard and difficult negotiations the first framework agreement was signed. It underlined the approach and timing of the integration during the first coming months. The final integration of arounnd 250 workers is planned for September this year. The negotiations will effectively start on May 19 and it is planned to reach an agreement that can be approved by the Proximus staff not later than June 30.

For many months Proximus staff was concerned about their future functions and job contents. The workers feel that the so-called matrix structure in which Proximus employees report to Belgacom managers is undermining the responsibilities that they had in the past. It is known that after the integration the staff and support services will be reorganised. However, Proximus management has refused to discuss the situation with the staff.

This lead to an unplanned social action - the workers left the building and gathered in the street in front of the main entrance. Other employees joined them spontaneously and within less than 10 minutes about 250 people were on the street. The action lasted for about an hour and after that, the delegation of unions’ representatives met with Proximus management which assured the further possibility to discuss the situation within the formal social consultation structures.