The group of employees that appeared before the judge in the afternoon was given more time to consider the offer of dismissal.

 

The group of approximately 170 employees instituted summary proceedings against the American oil concern because it wasn’t given sufficient time to consider the previous proposal. To their surprise they receive a final offer last week Friday. Moreover, Valero decided against further negotiations. In this case the employees demand more time and that Valero returns to the negotiation table. The judge decided immediately yesterday on the demand for more time. The employees are given until 25 October to make a decision and will therefore not miss out on the 10 percent. Valero had set that percentage as condition for all employees who are to leave and to sign their dismissal package before 15 October.

 

The other demand was rejected. This means Valero doesn’t have to return to the negotiating table. According to lawyer Maurice Cabenda, the employees will use the extra ten days to make a counterproposal. The lawyer is namely of the opinion that the parties could reach an agreement. However, the lawyer ventured no opinion on what the group would do if Valero doesn’t go a long way to meet the employees.

 

As regards the case of union Iowua the judge ruled it was not a matter of urgency and the case was rejected. There is the deadline of 15 October  to sign the dismissal package but actually the payment occurs after 15 November . This gives the employees sufficient time to seek justice, according to the judge. Valero further indicated to keep the right to defer the final date (November 15) for the reorganization if the concern succeeds in finding a partner to reopen the refinery. In that case the employees would remain employed. This fact is new for the union and wasn’t mentioned when the union signed the redundancy scheme with Valero.

 

 

In any case the union now considers a basic procedure on the dispute regarding interpretation on the dismissal arrangement. It regards the number of holidays calculated, which according to the union, is a difference of approx. 25 percent on the final amount.