Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
The newly-elected Flemish regional government announced in September 2014 budget cuts for the regional public broadcaster VRT. Political negotiations and social dialogue resulted in various proposals, with the latest restructuring proposal by VRT rejected by the government in September 2015 as not stringent enough. The current, accepted proposal aims at a reduction of 220 FTE by 2020, with 40-60 direct dismissals and the remainder in the form of voluntary leaves and non-replacement of retirees. Further budget cuts will be realised in the form of internal mergers, outsourcing of supporting services and content creation. There is also the intention to create 50 positions in the digital media branch. The socialist public sector union ACOD is cautiously optimistic about the final agreement, given the stated budget cuts, and stresses that direct dismissals will be minimal thanks to the options of voluntary anticipated retirement or of relocation within the Flemish government structure.
Eurofound (2016), Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie (VRT), Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 87390, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://apps.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/87390.