BX1 stopped work on Monday in protest against the lack of "concrete answers" to its concerns about management and working conditions.
This was reported by the news channel on Monday morning. In July, there was also a strike against the deterioration of working conditions at the channel, while the managing director of BX1 was promised a generous bonus as part of an early retirement package.
During a general meeting on 27 August, staff voted in favour of the new work stoppage. They want to protest against "vague answers from the news channel's management to their urgent questions, which they have asked repeatedly," according to a press release from the staff.
The social conflict stems from revelations in the press in July about a departure plan for managing director Marc De Haan, including the hefty bonuses awarded to him.
The departure agreement offered him an additional €550,000 over four years, alongside unemployment benefits, until his legal retirement age in 2025. This arrangement was reportedly approved by the board in December 2022.
"Two months later... nothing has changed at BX1. Staff remain subject to unfair austerity measures, which weigh heavily on working conditions, with no prospect of improvement," the staff members lament.
Among other things, the staff want "the definitive dismissal of the managing director", his "urgent" replacement, "transparent operation of the management committee" and "accurate information about the financial situation of the company".
The staff are also calling for an assessment of psychosocial risks and better integration of staff representatives into the management. "The management of BX1 keeps asking us to wait, which we refuse to do," the staff said.
"This strike demonstrates our determination to guarantee a peaceful working environment and high-quality service in the interests of the people of Brussels."
In French-speaking Belgium, there was a great deal of controversy surrounding the departure of the CEO and the "golden parachute" he was awarded.
