DENDERMONDE – Trade unions ACV Openbare Diensten and ACOD LRB have officially filed a strike notice in Dendermonde, Belgium, in response to proposed budget cuts by the city government that they argue will negatively impact essential public services.

The unions are specifically contesting the outsourcing of various municipal functions, which they claim will lead to economic and employment instability for public workers.

The services identified for potential outsourcing include cleaning assistance provided through service vouchers, the operation of the central kitchen, the De Kleine Kroon daycare center, and cleaning services for public buildings in the city.

Unions assert that these cuts are being implemented without adequate consultation with employees, expressing frustration that information regarding these decisions was communicated to the public primarily through media channels.

Stephan Van de Meirssche, a spokesperson for ACOD, remarked on the situation, stating, 'People have been presented with a fait accompli.

There has been no consultation, only a statement via the media.

We want the city government to reconsider the planned privatizations.'

In response, the local government indicated that it had made contact with unions and employees on May 26, underscoring their intent to address any concerns arising from the planned reforms.

'We understand the unrest and take the concerns seriously,' stated a city representative, who added that the shift to qualified outside partners for these services would ensure proper staffing and quality guarantees.

Scheduled consultations between the city council and the unions are set to occur on June 5, where both parties will discuss the implications of the planned cuts.

In light of these discussions, union leaders have indicated they will assess their next steps.

Van de Meirssche emphasized, 'We do not want chaos, but also no social breakdown,' highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining public service quality and managing budget constraints.

The unions' main objections revolve around the broader implications of outsourcing, which they argue can undermine job security, reduce wages, and lead to poorer working conditions for municipal employees.

This situation is part of a wider trend observed in several European countries, where similar union actions have opposed outsourcing arrangements that affect cleaning, administrative, and technical services across public sectors.

As discussions progress, the city government remains hopeful for a positive outcome that minimizes service disruption and addresses the concerns of the unions.