Ziggo reported that these jobs will disappear in the following three years. “Merging these two companies will lead to a more efficient cooperation,” said the company in a press release. This particularly applies to product development, innovation as well as infrastructure departments. Also, layers in the management department will be reduced.
According to the trade union CNV, Ziggo’s mass layoff is not unexpected, but its degree is “shocking”. CNV’s spokesperson, Albert Spieseke said to Nu.nl: “We were afraid that Ziggo’s takeover would cost jobs. If you merge two daughters, you get many doublings.”
UPC and Ziggo will be offering social support to employees for finding employment. Their support plan comprises 15 paid months as well as three unpaid months for excess staff to find another position.
The new company’s headquarters will remain in Utrecht, while existing Ziggo offices in Heerhugowaard and Rijswijk as well as the UPC office in Nijmegen will most likely be closed. These operations will be taken over by other branches.
After the merger, Ziggo will nearly operate a nationwide cable network. The company is supposed to provide 90% of Dutch households with television, Internet and telephone services.
The reorganisation between the companies is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
By C. Maiko Schnelle