Belgium: controversies around the “generosity” of Opel’s redundancy plan

With bonuses up to 144.000 euros and early retirement from 50 years old on, the social plan adopted on July 1, 2007 for the restructuring of Opel's Anvers site is criticized because it does not respect the interprofessional agreement on the "Pact solidarity between generations" aiming at maintaining people at work longer, and risks to discourage foreign investors from settling in Belgium. (Ref. 070617)
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

The comments of the Flemish Christian-Democrat deputy Peter Leyman (CD&V), who ran Volvo’s site in Gand – that the agreement passed between the management and trade unions from Opel’s site in Anvers was “almost immoral” – threw social partners into turmoil. Indeed, this agreement plans early leaves (pre-pensions) from 50 years old on with between 82 and 89% of the last net salary and voluntary leave bonuses going as high as 144.000 gross euros for 750 out of the 1.079 employees whose job is cut

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...