On April 3, 2025, a significant portion of the personnel at BNP Paribas Fortis went on strike, marking the first such action in over two decades. This strike is a direct response to management's plan to transfer nearly 600 employees from the Client Service Center to the external company Accenture. The unions, including ACV Puls-CNE, BBTK-Setca, and ACLVB-CGSLB, have united to express their strong discontent with this decision, emphasizing that it threatens not only the jobs of those directly affected but also the job security of all employees within the bank.
The strike has garnered considerable support, with the Setca estimating that over 1,000 workers participated. This mobilization is particularly noteworthy in the financial sector, where such collective actions are rare. The affected sites include the headquarters in Brussels and regional offices in Antwerp, Leuven, Ghent, Liège, and Charleroi. Valérie Vanwalleghem, the federal secretary of Setca, noted that there were “almost no workers on site,” although she acknowledged the challenge of accurately counting attendance due to telecommuting practices. The management of BNP Paribas Fortis, however, claims that over 90% of its employees are not participating in the strike and that all offices are operational, working to minimize any potential impact on clients.
In a written statement, BNP Paribas Fortis expressed regret over the strike, stating, “We understand that every change raises questions and that social partners have the right to express themselves. However, we are surprised by the timing of this action, as the negotiation schedule had been established and validated by the social partners.” The bank insists that the decision to transfer employees is essential for improving services and that it will ultimately benefit both the bank and its clients.
The unions are adamant that this transfer is not just a matter of relocating employees but raises broader concerns about job security across the organization. Marjorie Lion, a representative for Setca at BNP Paribas Fortis, articulated the fears shared by many workers: “If we let this happen, what will be the next step? Who will be the next to be outsourced?” The sentiment reflects a deep-seated anxiety about the future of employment within the bank, especially as the management has shown little willingness to negotiate changes to the plan.
In a recent interview, CEO Michael Anseeuw reaffirmed his commitment to the transfer, citing a collective labor agreement that ensures employee rights during such transitions. He emphasized that the decision is aimed at enhancing the bank's operational efficiency and service quality. However, many employees feel that their voices are not being heard in this process, leading to a growing rift between staff and management.
The strike has not only highlighted the immediate concerns regarding the transfer but also the deteriorating relationship between BNP Paribas Fortis and its employees. Union leaders have pointed out that there was once a strong tradition of social dialogue within the bank, which seems to be diminishing. “There is a breakdown of trust between the staff and management,” Lion stated. “We are frustrated that our opinions are not being solicited.”
As the strike unfolded, some members of the bank’s executive committee met with the strikers to discuss their concerns. Although the union representatives described the action as one of visibility and awareness rather than disruption, the management acknowledged the protests and the need for further discussions. “There was a tradition of social consultation at BNP Paribas Fortis, which is now being lost,” Lion lamented.
Looking ahead, the unions are pressing for the bank to reconsider its plan and engage in meaningful negotiations about the future of its workforce. The stakes are high, as the decision affects not just the 580 employees slated for transfer but raises questions about the job security of the entire workforce of approximately 10,000 employees. The unions are calling for a collective response from all employees, underscoring the importance of solidarity in the face of potential job losses.
As the situation develops, the unions remain committed to their cause, hoping to sway management to reconsider the transfer plan. They argue that the current approach undermines the trust and cooperation that are essential for a healthy workplace environment. The outcome of this strike could set a precedent for labor relations within the financial sector in Belgium for years to come.
