Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – BNP Paribas Fortis plans to outsource 500 jobs from its Client Service Center to Accenture, facing strong union opposition. Unions have warned of potential strikes due to insufficient investment in technology to address performance difficulties, reflecting continued tensions in the banking sector.
At the end of January 2025, BNP Paribas Fortis stated that numerous positions would be transferred from its Client Service Center to Accenture. This change will affect over 500 workers. The bank wants to use better technology to deal with the growing challenges in banking, like new rules.
The Client Service Center handles important tasks such as processing loans and managing inheritance issues. BNP Paribas Fortis promised that jobs, pay, and work locations would stay the same for employees during this transition. The goal is to work better and stay competitive in the banking industry.
What are the specific performance issues that BNP Paribas Fortis is addressing by outsourcing jobs to Accenture?
The plan to move jobs to Accenture has faced strong opposition from unions. They argue that BNP Paribas Fortis is not spending enough on tools to fix the problems that led to this decision. The unions believe these issues could have been avoided with better investment.
They have warned the bank to cancel the outsourcing plan by today or face strikes. Union mentioned that banks must balance new technology and saving money with the needs of their workers. The outcome will affect the bank’s future and its relationship with employees and unions.
“Alleged performance problems could have been perfectly avoided”
Union says.
This morning February 14, 2025, BNP Paribas Fortis management confirmed they will continue with the plan to move about 500 jobs to Accenture. Marieke De Kegel, a union representative, said workers are very angry and warned that management does not see how serious the situation is. The unions plan to meet to discuss their next steps. The frustration is clear, and the unions are ready to fight against this decision, which they believe threatens job security.
“The anger is very great. People do not seem to realize that they are on the eve of a serious social conflict,”
Says Maes.
The unions might start their actions next week. Union leaders say workers are willing to act on their own if needed. The unions have asked for a meeting with the chairman to discuss their concerns. They want to avoid making the situation worse. If they do not get a good response, the unions are ready to announce a strike.
“We are doing so with a clear message. We do not see things getting better there and we plan to then submit a strike notice,”
Says Maes.
