Seasonal employees at Walibi handed out chocolates to park visitors at the end of December, with the aim of passing them on to colleagues in the park. With this playful action, they, together with De Horecabond, drew attention to fair and equal working conditions. Five employees explain what is going on and why they believe change is necessary, even after a follow-up action in early February.
Unlike colleagues with year-round contracts, seasonal employees do not build up a pension, receive lower wages, and get less travel allowance. So far, the park's management has shown little interest in their story. An 18-year-old employee, who works part-time alongside her studies, puts it this way: “I feel there is a huge gap between what management thinks we like and what we actually want. That just doesn't feel right.”
Uncertainty
For some, the main issue is uncertainty. Contracts are often zero-hour contracts, meaning no continued payment during illness. A seasonal employee, who has worked at Walibi since 2024, calls this 'incomprehensible': “The biggest problem is that you don't build up a pension and don't have a CLA. It's said that people my age don't need that, but I do. You grow with the minimum salary, but there's nothing beyond that.”
For others, the travel costs and the staff bus that brings employees to Harderwijk play a significant role. A seasonal employee who lives quite far away spends two to three hours each way travelling by public transport and then the staff bus. “It costs me about twelve euros per working day. Sometimes I finish at seven and don't get home until half past ten because I have to wait for the bus.”
Theme Park Enthusiast
Interestingly, no one questions the work itself. On the contrary, it's the love for the park, the attractions, and the guests that makes employees speak out. “I'm a real theme park enthusiast,” says an employee now entering his third season. “The best part is giving guests a fun day. You see people enjoying themselves, and you're the one making that possible.” The employee enjoys working with his colleagues and with the technology. “You press a button, and six tonnes of steel start moving. That never gets boring. And you make people happy, for example, if they want another ride.”
Team Spirit
Adinda Strooper, who worked at Walibi for nearly ten years before choosing a permanent job in childcare, recognises that feeling. “What makes the work so enjoyable is the team spirit and ensuring a good experience for the guests. You work performance-oriented to keep waiting times short, and you're responsible for people's safety.”
It's precisely that responsibility that causes friction. According to several employees, a lot is expected without appropriate appreciation or security in return. “In case of disputes in the queue, technical failures, or unrest during Fright Nights, we're at the forefront,” says Adinda. “That goes far beyond just pressing buttons.”
The call for better working conditions is not just about money but also about recognition and sustainability. “We're not just numbers; we keep the park running,” says a seasonal employee who previously worked full-time. “We ensure that guests can ride the roller coaster, get something to eat, and that the park stays clean.” Another employee puts it more sharply: “Sometimes I feel like Walibi acts as if working here is a privilege. As if you should be grateful to be allowed to stand there.”
According to many employees, the Updates policy leads to high turnover. Many experienced people are leaving now. “As a result, Insights is lost, and the workload for those who stay only increases,” says Adinda. “You can't expect new people to know everything immediately.”
Future
The employees mainly hope that the management will start taking them seriously. That they will listen to what is said in conversations and surveys. “It feels now as if only what fits the management's narrative is taken out,” says an employee who wishes to remain anonymous. So, pension build-up, a decent travel allowance, and more stability for people who want to stay for multiple seasons. The seasonal employee sees small movements but remains critical. “The management is willing to talk about breaks or small things. But on major topics like CLA or pension, they are very steadfast.”
Stay or Leave?
How employees see their future at Walibi varies. Some want to stay as long as they are studying. “During my studies, I definitely want to keep working here,” says the 18-year-old employee. “But probably not afterwards. I don't see a long-term future here.” Others hope that change is possible. “If the working conditions improve, I'd be happy to return,” says Adinda. “I've learned a lot here and worked with pleasure. The problem isn't with colleagues or supervisors, but higher up. Now I work in childcare: I build up a pension, get paid during illness, and have a CLA. That's not a luxury; that's the basics. And it's precisely those basics I missed at Walibi.”