VDL prevents lawsuit: OR Nedcar gets to see money flows

The works council (OR) of Nedcar has put a pending summary proceedings against owner VDL of the car factory in Born on hold. This happened after VDL had promised to inspect documents requested by the works council. Through the interlocutory proceedings, the employee participation body wanted, among other things, to enforce access to the surrender amount that BMW has transferred to VDL due to the premature termination of the contract. That money would also be intended for a social plan, now that thousands of Nedcar employees are at risk of losing their jobs. 70 percent would be intended for a social plan. The Works Council wants to know exactly whether the money is being used for this purpose. There is a difference of about €20 million between the demand from the trade unions and the offer from VDL about a new social plan. The unions and Works Council do not understand why the company is making it difficult in their eyes. That led to strikes. The factory will also shut down again on Friday.

The Works Council can now inspect the documents without the intervention of the court, but finds the conditions set by the management for this unacceptable. In a letter on Wednesday evening, the works council’s lawyer asked for more lenient conditions. The five-member works council’s financial committee is now only allowed to view the requested documents under the supervision of VDL’s financial director, says works council chairman Abdel Lahssaini. No notes are allowed. In the room where the pieces are located in Eindhoven, no pen, paper, mobile phone or camera is allowed, according to Lahssaini. This on penalty of €10,000 per violation. In addition, what has been read should not be shared with anyone. The Works Council made a counter-proposal whereby notes can be made and inspection is possible without the presence of someone from VDL. A letter containing this proposal was sent out on Wednesday evening.