According to the Labour Unions, about 2,000 ASML employees participated in a walkout this afternoon following recent layoff announcements. The protest, supported by the labour unions CNV and FNV, took place in front of the ASML building 4. Despite the sunny weather, the atmosphere remained tense. News Brainport spoke to representatives from both organisations, including CNV union leader Remy Biesmans and FNV union leader Peter Reniers. The union leaders addressed the gathering and updated the expected actions. The employees will wear the badges upside down if negotiations with the management don’t succeed.
Reorganisation aided by McKinsey research
Peter Reniers revealed that the reorganisation was shaped by external research from McKinsey. Concerns were raised that the Works Council (ondernemingsraad) was not consulted beforehand, which leaders suggested was an attempt to manage the process behind closed doors to protect ASML shares (aandeel). Remy Biesmans remarked, “When there are new kings, there are new rules,” hinting at the new top management and a shift in company culture despite record annual turnover.
“When there are new kings, there are new rules”
Impact on International employees
The impact on the international workforce has been particularly severe, leading to a deep sense of betrayal among long-term staff. Krishna, an Indian employee who has been with the company for nearly ten years, expressed the collective pain of the workforce. “I feel betrayed,” Krishna said. “Like ASML has stabbed me in the back. All the things which I have given to ASML, and now the roles remaining require us to do the job of three or four people, now all of a sudden”.
For many international workers, the crisis extends beyond professional disappointment to personal stability. Turkish employees Mehmet and Muhammed shared that while they have established peaceful lives in the region, the uncertainty is a “huge crisis” for families relying on a single income. They noted that for many expats, the additional burden is that their residency permits are strictly tied to their work permits.
Despite the high stakes, employees noted a lack of official communication regarding severance packages. While there is hope for a “golden” arrangement, many are left speculating about their future financial security while facing high Dutch tax rates on any potential payouts. Union leaders remain hopeful that today’s turnout will send a clear signal to management to reconsider their position.
Both unions feel enthusiastic about participation numbers in the walkout and believe it is a strong signal to management. Mehmet says, “I am participating to feel hopeful, but also preparing for the worst. I am also here to show my solidarity with affected colleagues and to acknowledge the work of the Unions. Whereas, Muhammed, who is impacted, ruminates, “I moved here, adapted to a new country, culture and working environment, but now my future is in question”. Councillor Rosa van den Nieuwenhof from PvdA-GL Eindhoven was also in attendance, along with other candidates on the list.
Chinese competition
FNV Union leader Reingers also fears that employees who are laid off here are likely to be hired by a Chinese competitor, which could make the transfer of technology and knowledge easy. However, he is also hopeful that the Unions will find a way. Biesmans (CNV Union leader) affirms that both unions are aligned and working hard to find a solution, but he is worried, especially with the RFA (request for advice) for the IT department disclosed.
(The names of employees were changed to protect their identities.)
NEWS BRAINPORT
