Service vouchers
Because service voucher company ACC loses its recognition, the jobs of six hundred cleaning assistants are at risk.
Flemish Minister of Economy Jo Brouns (CD&V) has withdrawn the recognition of the service voucher company ACC, which operates under the name Domestic Services. This happened after years of complaints about fraud, tampering and abuse. From May 1, the company will no longer be allowed to provide services unless the Council of State suspends the withdrawal. The unions applaud the decision of the Flemish government. They say they are doing “everything they can” to help the six hundred cleaners find other work. That should work, because there are hundreds of vacancies for cleaning assistants in the provinces of East and West Flanders, where ACC is active.
The unions have been receiving complaints about abuses within the company for years. In 2018, temporary unemployment was allegedly tampered with. The unions have forwarded these complaints to the social inspectorate. “Several violations of the service voucher regulations themselves were also found, such as cleaning offices and holiday homes or simply submitting fictitious services,” the unions note in a joint press release. Sick employees are also said to have been wrongly placed on temporary unemployment.
Two years ago, the National Employment Office (RVA) confirmed that an investigation was underway. At that time there was talk of tens of thousands of euros that were wrongly recovered from social security. Last year, Brouns confirmed in the Flemish Parliament that the Flemish Social Inspectorate is reclaiming 17 million euros from the company. This concerns subsidies and incorrectly declared service vouchers.
Takeover
In February last year, the unions argued with Minister Brouns, and two months later the recognition committee considered the file. But it took another year before the recognition was withdrawn.
The ACC company has thirteen branches in East and West Flanders. Domestic Services is also active in the other Flemish and Walloon provinces, but this concerns branches of other companies. They partly have the same shareholders and management. But the recognition of those companies has not been withdrawn.
The company itself wants to challenge the decision with the Council of State. If it suspends the withdrawal due to urgent necessity, it can continue to operate after May 1. What happens if the withdrawal is not stayed is a question mark. The company can be liquidated, but a takeover is also possible. The withdrawal of recognition also has consequences for the directors, Brouns said in the Flemish Parliament last year. “They can’t just go to another company. So those consequences are extended there.” It is not clear at the moment what this means for the sister companies. The unions advise staff to wait and see for the time being. The unions remain available to answer questions.
