There has been a strike at Wehkamp's distribution centre in Maurik for almost two weeks. According to trade union FNV, the strikers will continue until an acceptable social plan is on the table.
Due to a reorganisation, Wehkamp wants to transfer all logistics activities to Zwolle. The distribution centre in Maurik, where large items such as sofas and garden furniture are shipped, will therefore be closed. The 52 employees may move along to Zwolle - 120 kilometres away - or lose their jobs
The social plan in place for staff is inadequate, according to FNV. The union demands better compensation for job counselling and training, so that dismissed employees have more opportunities on the labour market.
FNV says it has consulted with Wehkamp several times in recent weeks, however without result. "We would like to help the employees out of the uncertainty quickly, but it seems as if Wehkamp is trying to exhaust their staff," says FNV executive Marian Beldsnijder. The union will continue to take action until an acceptable offer is on the table.
Wehkamp earlier stated it was "very disappointed" that FNV decided to organise a strike at an early stage. The reorganisation is unavoidable, according to the e-tailer, if it wants to survive in a rapidly changing and extremely competitive market. The consequences of the strikes are not very big, a spokeswoman said. Most orders are already being processed in Zwolle.
