The workload in Albert Heijn’s distribution centers is so high that many people become ill from it. This is evident from research by the FNV and CNV among hundreds of employees.
Polish temporary workers in particular are said to suffer from an unhealthy high workload. ‘The consequences are not bad: stress, physical complaints and poor functioning. No less than 39 percent of respondents also reported sick this year.’
Shefania Sewbaks, director of FNV Handel: “We are very shocked by this. We knew the workload was high, but so high… It’s five to twelve so something really has to be done now. That is why we are sitting down with Albert Heijn and employment agencies OTTO Workforce and Tempo Team this week. They must take action, and quickly.”
Wages are up, but the workload is still enormous
While hundreds of employees at the distribution centers managed to secure a good wage increase at the beginning of this year with days of strikes, their workload is still enormous, the unions say. Also compared to other companies in the Netherlands where the unions have investigated this.
Stress, physical complaints and many reports of illness
More than three-quarters (77 percent) of employees indicate that they suffer from an unhealthy high workload. This especially applies to temporary workers (87 percent). Nine out of ten respondents to the survey experience negative consequences of work pressure, such as stress, physical complaints and poorer functioning. In 82 percent, these complaints occur at least every month. Due to the high workload, 39 percent reported sick this year.
Employees are hounded
Roel van Riezen of CNV Vakmensen: “An important cause of the high workload is that employees are rushed. They have to complete their work within a certain time and therefore feel under enormous pressure. People have their limits, especially here given the heavy work they do.”
Half not supported by manager
Striking: half of the respondents do not feel supported by their manager. Here too, it is mainly temporary workers who indicate this (59 percent), including many Polish migrant workers who work as order pickers.
Everyone must get a permanent contract
Sewbaks: “That is why it is so important that everyone in the distribution centers gets a permanent contract. Flex contracts create an uncertain future for employees, because they can be sent away for nothing. For example, we hear from temporary workers that if they do not meet their standards, they will not receive a contract extension or will be transferred to another company.”