Trade union and security company clash over trainees' pay and working time

Download article in original language : NL9803167NNL.DOC

In March 1998, the Dutch FNV Bondgenoten trade union, is accusing the security company, Randon, of non-compliance with both the Minimum Wage Act and the Working Conditions Act when employing trainees.

The Allied Unions (FNV Bondgenoten) - the largest union affiliated to the Dutch Trade Union Federation (Federatie Nederlandse Vakbeweging, FNV) - have clashed for the second time within a few months with one of the subsidiaries of the Dutch concern Randstad Holding. The last time, the union forced Randstad Uitzendbureau to make a subsequent payment of wages to 200 temporary employees. This time the union is accusing Randstad's security branch, Randon, of employing trainees illegally and not complying with both the Minimum Wage Act and the Working Conditions Act .

FNV Bondgenoten is basing its allegation on complaints reported by Randon trainees since the beginning of March 1998. The complaints relate to alleged lengthy shifts and, in some cases, lack of breaks. One trainee reported working weeks of more than 50 hours and working shifts of over 12 hours without a single break. Moreover, trainees claim a lack of guidance and support, and that they are in fact working regular jobs, but are not paid any salary. According to the union's allegations, Randon takes advantage of its trainees by employing them without pay, but with a promise of a regular job in the near future.

The publication of the first complaints by FNV Bondgenoten roused the indignation of Randon, which demanded that the publication be revised. From that moment on, scores of new complaints have been streaming in from all parts of the country. The union and Randon have set up an independent committee to investigate them. The committee is expected to publish its findings in early April 1998. Meanwhile Randon temporarily retracted its demand for revision.