HNN-Antwerp negotiating a dismissal programme

Although these measures have achieved tangible results, they have not matched the relentless drop in volumes and like many others in the industry, the company concluded that it had no choice but to undertake a more structural review of staff strength in order to safeguard its competitive position in the future.

Accordingly HNN is now actively engaged in negotiations with members of its works council to agree a collective dismissal programme for HNN and subsidiary companies ACE NV and Cosmos NV which, if successful, will result in laying off up to 96 white collar and 12 blue collar workers. According to a PSA-HNN Corporate Spokesperson, “We are exploring all options with the Workers’ Council.”

Whilst local unions have apparently suggested a possible mothballing of terminals, there has been no serious discussion of the proposals beyond an initial exploratory stage and it is understood that there are no serious plans for further discussions on the subject.