The trade unions ALEBA, OGB-L and LCGB have issued a joint press release regarding the social plan for Banque Havilland which they described as "a social plan in name only".
According to the unions, Banque Havilland is considering negotiating a social plan that is insufficient, or even disadvantageous for employees. "At present, the proposals made by management are largely insufficient and far from market practices, or even likely to be challenged in court".
The three unions have repeatedly pointed out that employees are in no way responsible for the bank's current difficulties; they argued that it is unacceptable to sanction employees for managerial decisions that have led to this "delicate" situation.
The statement reads : "The management's obvious attempt to divide the union delegation has not succeeded, but on the contrary, employee representatives are joining forces to protect the interests of all employees. We are demanding more guarantees in order to strengthen the position of employees with regard to the implementation of this social plan. The unions are calling on management to demonstrate transparency, fairness and respect towards its employees, who have contributed to the bank's success for many years. While all of the bank's employees are likely to be impacted by the social plan, the moral and financial damage is enormous. We therefore call on the employer's social responsibility."
The three unions have urged the bank's board of directors to review its position, to recognise the legitimate role of unions in these negotiations and to engage in an open and honest dialogue with employee representatives.
The statement concluded "the unions remain determined to defend the interests of employees and to ensure that these negotiations are conducted in a fair and responsible manner, in accordance with the laws and workers' rights. While time is running out, we expect management to finally propose financial and social conditions allowing the signing of a social plan."
