VRT unions shut down broadcasts for four hours
In protest at a new cost-cutting plan at Flemish public broadcaster VRT, unions shut down normal programming on radio and TV stations yesterday morning
Talks begin today
In protest at job losses, unions shut down normal programming on all VRT television and radio channels from 6.00 to 10.00 yesterday, while a picket at the entrance to the headquarters in Brussels (pictured) remained until noon.
The plan, which also involved decreasing regional input to Radio 2 and closing offices in Antwerp and Kortrijk, were leaked to the press last week. On Monday the board met to consider the plan for the first time and scrapped the changes to Radio 2.
According to socialist union ACOD, some sections of VRT staff are prepared to strike if the plan is not further amended and official talks opened with unions. Unions and management were due to talk today, amid accusations by the union that management had threatened sanctions against certain members of staff if they did not turn up on Tuesday for work as usual.
Photo: Bruno Fahy/BELGA
About the author
