Trade union AVV and Miss Etam’s works council have withdrawn the announced lawsuit against the new owner. That says Martin Pikaart, union director. The lawsuit was filed because of the concerns of the union and works council about the plans of the new owner Martijn Rozenboom.
After the takeover of the bankrupt FNG NL, which included Miss Etam, he sold the Caudia Sträter and Expresso brands on September 20. Those decisions were made without the participation of the works council, says union leader Pikaart.
According to Rozenboom, this decision was taken when the staff were not yet employed by him and there was therefore no works council to consult with. “At that time, the staff were still under the trustee and they fell under the wage guarantee scheme of the UWV,” said the businessman.
According to Pikaart, the lawsuit has been dismissed because Rozenboom has now recognized the works council. This recognition applies retroactively from the date of takeover.
“A covenant has been concluded between Rozenboom and the Works Council, which gives them a say again when brands are resold and stores are closed,” he says. “Nobody is waiting for a lawsuit in these turbulent times, of course the works council is welcome to discuss the future of this company,” says Rozenboom.
Salary
earlier the employees threatened to file for bankruptcy after more than 600 employees were not paid. Rose tree then said to RetailNews that the staff would simply be paid.
“Today or tomorrow they get a share, the rest will follow at the end of the month,” said the owner. Pikaart says that is what happened. “I have not had any complaints from employees who have not been paid. Wages are expected to be paid at the end of October as well.”
Big Challenges
Still, the union leader is concerned about the future of the retail chain. He finds that there are still uncertainties about the sale of the bankruptcy estate.
“We take into account that Rozenboom is engaged in a further resale of Miss Etam and Steps in the short term. That is why we are on the safe side with a quick recognition of the position of the works council, instead of legal proceedings with a possibly late or negative outcome. “
“I still see potential in this company, but I think we have to go back to the basics, you have to cut back. Miss Etam is a brand in which I believe and where I also see a future,” continues the new owner, “but we face major challenges “.
The AVV trade union and the works council have asked the examining magistrate to make documents about the sale public. This should show whether Rozenboom’s plans for the retail chain were serious.
–
