Union's hotline targets firms cutting flexible contracts

Labor union CNV is starting a hotline for people dealing with employment abuses as a result of the new Work and Security law that comes into effect on July 1, the union said on Friday morning. The law makes it easier for flexible contract workers, freelancers and temporary hires to get severance packages if they are let go. The hotline becomes accessible on Friday. The union took this initiative in response to recent events surrounding the alleged abuse of the new law. Some temporary workers that would be entitled to a severance pay as of July 1 were fired ahead of that date. Last week, there was information about an alleged internal memo at the ING saying that temporary workers should be fired before July to circumvent the new law and avoid payments. This caused a strong response from the Minister of Social Affairs Lodewijk Asscher. Later, a compromise between ING and labor unions was reached.