PREFACE : PROUD

Summer is finally here! Time to relax and take a breath. But I would also like to take a look back at the last few months. I feel prouder than ever. Why? Because I see so many people around me who give their all to make a difference, despite all social challenges we are currently facing.

In this edition, Ilse and John, two staff representatives at AXA, will tell you about the book they wrote about 11 regular employees in their company who shared their story about great and not-so-great experiences during their career in a very open and vulnerable way. The book is a compilation of stories about change, working internationally, learning continuously, more work with less people, collegiality, team spirit and trust. The book brought together colleagues on the basis of a positive attitude and the belief that people can make a difference. This is the perfect example of trade union work: very close and together with colleagues.

This way, trade union work regularly converts seemingly small frustrations into collective points of improvement. For example, compiled signals of many employees about the escalating availability outside working hours resulted into serious discussions about the right to disconnect after working hours, on weekends and during the summer holidays.

This compilation of individual concerns in collective frustrations forms the foundation of the sector negotiations that are currently in full swing. Other topics discussed during these negotiations include: individual needs around public transport, bicycle allowance, the right to disconnect, training and education, etc. These negotiations ensure that employees in large and small companies and organisations enjoy remunerations that reinforce their purchasing power and employment agreements that increase their job satisfaction. This unique consultation model, moulded by employees, promotes equality and prevents companies from competing with each other in a spiral of ever lower wages and working conditions.

And it is precisely this commitment and these solidary intentions of organised colleagues that are being cut short through legal and police actions in the conflict with Delhaize. However, this commitment should be applauded: an alternative business model for the disastrous ‘low-lower-lowest’ promotion in the retail sector. But if the management and shareholders are stubborn and keep saying no the demand to discuss a sustainable alternative with employees, I will proudly join the Delhaize employees in their protest.

Are you also a proud employee? Do you look beyond the image created in the media of trade unions as an unrealistic entity? Great! If we can do even better, we would like to know how. But, first and foremost, enjoy your holiday. And don’t forget to disconnect.

Never Work Alone 2023 | Author: Sandra Vercammen | Image: Dries Luyten