Fokker Elmo employees in Hoogerheide are going on strike. The staff are angry now that parent company GKN Fokker has not responded to the unions’ ultimatum. The employees want to receive the same relocation allowance as colleagues from Fokker Landing Gear in Helmond. Both companies are moving to Papendrecht.
The ultimatum expired at noon on Tuesday. “That means that we have our hands free for actions,” says CNV Vakmensen director Arthur Bot. “Behind the scenes we are already busy with the preparations. Soon we will go wild.”
The reason for the strike is the closure of Fokker Elmo in Hoogerheide and Fokker Landing Gear in Helmond. The activities and employees of both locations will be transferred to Papendrecht. Employees in Helmond can claim a much higher ‘stay allowance’ than their colleagues in Hoogerheide.
Bot: “We are talking about dozens of percentages that are given to employees in Helmond, but not to the employees in Hoogerheide. Of course you get crooked faces because of that. Not surprising that they are completely done with it in Hoogerheide, after all, they are in the same boat.”
The difference in remuneration stems from the fear of a knowledge drain, particularly in Helmond. This involves a high-tech production process that requires a great deal of specific knowledge.
Bot: “The difference can amount to tens of thousands of euros. Our message is clear. We will continue our actions until everyone has the same rights and there is no longer any strange distinction between staff from one location and another.”
The move to Papendrecht must be completed in 2023. There will eventually be 1800 people working there. Fokker wants to save costs with the relocations.