Flanders (Brussels Morning Newspaper): By November 2023, reports of violence against VDAB staff increased from 219 to 397 in Flanders. Minister Demir is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for aggression to enhance staff safety.
The minister noted an increase in the violence against VDAB employees in Flanders. The aggression reports were 219 in 2022, but the number rose to 397 in November 2023, meaning an increase of over 80%. Most of these incidents occurred in the offices of VDAB. To address this, Minister Demir wants to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for aggression, meaning violent workers could lose their benefits. Reports of verbal aggression will also be taken more seriously from now on.
How is VDAB improving communication and safety for job seekers and staff in Flanders?
VDAB is changing how they talk to job seekers by using online chats and phone calls instead of in-person meetings. They are training staff to handle angry people better. Many have already completed this training. Workers will also get support if they face aggression. Minister Demir says it’s important for staff to feel safe while helping others find jobs. New offices will have secure doors and clear walls, and meeting rooms will have extra exits. There are 500 emergency buttons for staff to call for help, which have been used a few times. Demir reminds job seekers that being rude won’t help them find work and could affect their benefits.
Minister Demir has asked VDAB to be tougher on aggressive job seekers. VDAB can stop benefits for people who miss job offers for 4 to 52 weeks. This is a temporary measure while the RVA figures out the next steps. Many at VDAB Limburg support Demir’s stricter rules. After the COVID-19 crisis, VDAB has helped more people find jobs, but some job seekers have been rude. Joris Philips, the director, says they are training staff to deal with these situations and report any aggression, even to the police, if necessary. Their goal is to maintain a safe environment while helping people get jobs.
