Randstad's Portugal layoffs spark union fury over cost-cutting and offshoring
Randstad has confirmed a round of collective dismissals at its Portuguese call centre operations. The company cites adjustments due to contract closures and reductions as the reason. However, the STCC union claims the move is part of a wider strategy to cut costs by replacing workers with cheaper labour abroad.
The layoffs have sparked outrage among employees, some of whom have served the company for over a decade. The union argues that Randstad’s actions prioritise profit over job security, leaving long-term staff without viable alternatives. The affected workers were involved in projects for major clients, including Concentrix, Nowo, Digi, Vodafone, NOS, REN PRO, and Vialivre. Among those dismissed are employees with more than ten years of service, as well as nursing mothers. The union has called the situation unacceptable, accusing Randstad of failing to provide reasonable solutions for experienced staff.
Randstad maintains that it followed labour laws and offered internal mobility options. Yet, the union disputes this, stating that some employees were given transfer opportunities as far as 300 kilometres away—an offer they view as an attempt to push workers into resigning. The STCC also highlights that this is not the first time Randstad has let go of precarious workers, suggesting a pattern of cost-cutting at their expense.
In response, workers are now organising a collective challenge against the layoffs. The union argues that the company’s decisions are driven by profit motives, leading to job insecurity and the offshoring of roles to countries with weaker labour protections. The dispute between Randstad and the STCC union continues, with dismissed employees preparing to contest the layoffs. The company insists it acted within legal boundaries, while the union accuses it of prioritising financial gains over workforce stability. The outcome of this conflict could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
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