Type
Internal restructuring
Country
Belgium
Region
Location of affected unit(s)
Sector
Information / Communication
Computer Programming, Consultancy And Related Activities
Computer Programming, Consultancy And Related Activities
62 - Computer programming, consultancy and related activities

100 - 120 jobs
Number of planned job losses
Job loss
Announcement Date
24 May 2005
Employment effect (start)
Foreseen end date

Description

Management of IBM Europe confirmed that between 100 and 120 jobs are threatened in Belgium, within the framework of the Atlantic project, which involves the suppression of 8,000 jobs in Europe. During the last months a number of decisions were already announced: on 22 April 2005, 28 people were dismissed; in May 2005, forty people were placed in a re-training programme. According to the trade unions, management will lay off a total of 120 people. But ‘for commercial reasons, these dismissals are spread out over time' the unions affirmed.

Trade unions decided to issue a writ against IBM for non-observance of the Renault law, which governs the procedures of collective redundancies. The Renault procedure considers the obligation to set up a phase of consultation and information with the workers, before the negotiations related to a social plan begin. Management of IBM Europe recognised meanwhile that the legal procedures had not been observed.


Sources

Citation

Eurofound (2005), IBM, Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 61638, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/61638.