Two short demonstrations will take place in front of Nedcar’s main building between 1.45 pm and 3.45 pm, the unions said. Keeping the action at that time allows both the day and afternoon shifts to participate, as the shifts change around that time.
‘Employees are concerned’
The action is supported by CNV Vakmensen, FNV Metaal and trade union De Unie. “In recent days, there was a lot of attention for the activists in the Sterrebos”, said director Robert Wonnink of CNV Vakmensen. “That action could thwart expansion of the factory. Workers are concerned about employment if the expansion cannot go ahead.”
Dozens of activists hang in the trees in the forest around the company, as you can see in the images below:
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Ron Peters, director of FNV Metaal also supports the counteraction. “The contract with BMW will end in 2024. The factory expansion is necessary to be able to close a deal with a very promising potential new customer, the American company Rivian. We understand that people are concerned about the logging of part of the Star Forest, but we are also sure that new trees will be planted afterwards.”
‘No action against Nedcar’
The manifestation must make clear the importance of the employees. To this end, the production lines in the factory are shut down. “The action is expressly not directed against VDL Nedcar, but is intended as a counter-noise,” Wonnink emphasized.
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According to him, not only is 4,200 direct jobs at risk if the factory cannot expand, but another 8,000 indirect jobs are at risk, including at suppliers.
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Action group Red Het Sterrebos says it understands the concerns of employees. “Our action is in no way directed against employment or the employees of VDL Nedcar,” the action group said in a statement. “Our position is correct that sustainable jobs and the conservation of forests can go hand in hand. A possible expansion of the factory can also take place at a different location.”
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