At least 1,550 jobs will go at the bus manufacturer Van Hool at Koningshooikt, near Lier in Antwerp Province. The company reportedly filed for bankruptcy on Friday and it was declared bankrupt by the Commercial Court at 9:30 on Monday morning. A relaunch will follow. However, the new company will retain far fewer of the around 2,500 people currently employed by Van Hool than had been expected.
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At least 1,550 job losses at bus manufacturer Van Hool
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The job losses were officially announced at an extraordinary Works’ Council meeting that was held 11am on Monday. The Dutch bus manufacturer VDL and German trailer builder Schmitz Cargobull are set to take over Van Hool. Fewer employees than expected will keep their jobs. According to VRT News sources, at least 1,550 jobs will be lost with between 600 and 950 employees being able to keep their jobs. 350 will be taken on by Schmitz Cargobull and between 300 and 600 will be able to work for VDL. Information sessions about the reduncies will be held on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 April.
Clarity at last
Bankruptcy had been on the cards at Van Hool for some time. Employees at the bus manufacturer had hoped to be given clarity on this last week. However, last Tuesday Van Hool’s management was able to arrange for some extra time to allow it to negotiate with potential buyers.
Speaking ahead of Monday's announcement Christophe Van Audenhove of the liberal trade union ACLVB told VRT News that “I will only be able to say later how people will react. We will inform everyone after the extraordinary Works’ Council meeting”.
"They have known for some time that any news will be bad news. Some will be relieved by the fact that they will still have some guarantees for the future, but I think disappointment will prevail."
"Regardless of this we will continue to step up and assume our responsibility as union reps to ensure that the 600 to 900 people that will remain in employment can continue to work in the best possible conditions”.
Speaking after the job losses had been confirmed the unions that represent workers at Van Hool said that the bus manufacturer is a "crown jewel" that is disappearing into foreign hands. "This company will be remembered as the company of missed chances. Politicians and the banks bear a crushing responsibility, but above all this is about a lack of a sense of responsibility on the part of the Van Hool family".