Seasonal workers at Walibi Holland amusement park in Biddinghuizen are seeking better employment conditions. They feel disadvantaged compared to colleagues with permanent contracts.
The issue has been ongoing since this spring. Nearly 200 seasonal workers sent an initial letter to management at the beginning of June. In it, they state that the existing employment conditions no longer meet the demands of the present day.
For permanent staff, Walibi Holland follows the CLA hospitality. Seasonal workers were also covered by a CLA in the past, but this changed several years ago to "tailor-made employment conditions".
Treated differently
It bothers the seasonal workers that they are treated differently from permanent staff. For example, seasonal workers do not build up a pension. Additionally, lower costs apply for mileage allowance and visits.
Another important point is that seasonal workers receive a new six-month contract each time, even though many employees work for the amusement park every year. They would prefer a yearly contract based on a low number of working hours. This provides the employees with more security and offers Walibi flexibility during events in the winter months.
Although the employees have been in contact with management since June, it has not yet led to any results. A new meeting is scheduled for this coming Wednesday with the Director of Operations at Walibi Holland.
De Horecabond
The discussion is being monitored by De Horecabond, which states that Walibi is keeping the union at arm's length. The union has recently received a noticeable number of reports from seasonal workers seeking questions and advice.
Union representative Edwin Vlek notes that there is unequal treatment at Walibi, as management does not apply the CLA hospitality to seasonal workers but does to permanent staff. Vlek sees this as a deliberate choice by Walibi Holland to save costs. According to him, the park performs worse in terms of employment conditions for seasonal workers compared to other amusement parks. De Horecabond is conducting further research to determine whether Walibi's actions are permissible.
Edwin Vlek finds it brave that the seasonal workers are taking action. "These are people in a vulnerable position. When you have a temporary contract, there is a high chance of being dismissed. It is all the braver that they are reaching out to us."
The union is trying to advise the workers and hopes that Walibi will engage in dialogue with them to resolve the issue. If this does not succeed, De Horecabond does not rule out further steps. "One could choose to call a strike, but we could also take the matter to court," says Edwin Vlek.
Walibi Holland has not responded to a request for comment.