Departure of Bpost CEO prompts threats of strike action by union

Unions representing staff at Bpost have issued a warning of industrial action in a climate of “uncertainty” surrounding the departure of CEO Johnny Thijs. Thijs announced earlier this month that he will not be seeking to renew his mandate as head of the semi-privatised post office, following what he called a “breach of confidence” over his future salary.

According to the unions, until the name of Thijs’ successor is known and has made a clear vision statement for Bpost policy, it is not possible for them to sit down at the negotiating table to tackle the subject of the company’s future direction.

“It is not the intention to leave the whole country without mail,” said union representative Jef De Doncker. The warning issued by unions is a legal requirement to take any industrial action that might follow from management’s decision to go ahead with reorganisation without the unions’ agreement, he explained.

Federal minister for state enterprises, Jean-Pascal Labille – accused by Thijs of lack of confidence in his position – joined in advising the board of Bpost not to take any strategic decisions while a successor for Thijs is being sought. Answering questions in the federal parliament this week, he denied reports that a successor has been chosen and said the executive search company running the procedure, Russell Reynolds, had compiled a long list of candidates. A decision is ultimately expected in mid-February, Labille said. 

Meanwhile, one of the front-runners for the post of CEO of Bpost has said that she will not be taking part in the selection procedure to replace Johnny Thijs. Sophie Dutordoir, formerly CEO of Electrabel, informed the board of Bpost of her decision last week. 

photo courtesy of Bpost