Background on Bimbo and the Relevance of the Situation
Bimbo, a multinational company specializing in baked goods, is facing criticism from the Spanish union CCOO over its decision to cut 352 jobs in its distribution network across Spain. The company attributes the job reductions to economic reasons, but has refused to improve compensation packages for affected employees during negotiations with the union.
Details of the Expediente de Regulación de Empleo (ERE)
Bimbo announced the implementation of an Expediente de Regulación de Empleo (ERE) two weeks ago, affecting 352 workers in its Spanish distribution network. The company insists that the reduction is due to economic causes, dismissing all alternative proposals presented by the union representatives.
Union’s Proposed Alternatives
- Creation of new job positions within the company
- Internal relocations for affected employees
- Adjustment of working hours to reduce the number of workers impacted
Despite these proposals, Bimbo has maintained its stance on the ERE, claiming that it aims only to “reduce the payroll burden and dismantle the distribution network.”
Union’s Demands and Bimbo’s Response
CCOO has urged Bimbo to “take responsibility for its decisions” and improve the conditions of termination, ensuring they exceed the terms of improper dismissal. The union argues that when companies cite economic reasons for job cuts, workers should not bear the cost.
Bimbo has agreed to continue contributing to social security for employees over 55 until they reach the age of 63, though this concession does not address the union’s concerns about improved compensation packages for those being let go.
Negotiation Timeline and Progress
The negotiation period for this ERE ends on May 27, and according to CCOO, there have been “very few advances” in these discussions. The union expresses concern over Bimbo’s reluctance to minimize the ERE’s impact on its workforce.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? Bimbo’s refusal to improve compensation packages for 352 affected employees during ERE negotiations.
- What alternatives did the union propose? The union suggested creating new job positions, facilitating internal relocations, and adjusting working hours to minimize the number of workers impacted.
- What has Bimbo agreed to? Bimbo has agreed to continue contributing to social security for employees over 55 until they reach the age of 63.
- When does the negotiation period end? The negotiation period for this ERE ends on May 27.
- What is the union’s main demand? The union demands that Bimbo improve termination conditions, ensuring they exceed improper dismissal terms.
