The success of our organisation depends heavily on the dedication, commitment, motivation and well-being of all our employees. This requires a proactive people policy that focuses on the further development of employees and the organisation.
Vion works closely with certified employment agencies
Vion employs more than 8,000 people, both directly and through temporary employment agencies. In the Netherlands, Vion cooperates with temporary employment agencies to hire temporary staff, a common practice across many industries. This approach helps us to manage fluctuations in workload and addresses limited local labour supply. Foreign employees therefore also work at Vion on a temporary basis. These colleagues are very important to our business operations, so we aim to retain them by offering them the same terms, conditions and growth opportunities as our own employees. Many foreign colleagues choose to work in the Netherlands only on a temporary basis and therefore prefer employment through a temporary agency.
Cooperation with certified employment agencies
Vion only works with pre-selected, recognised and certified employment agencies for hiring of temporary workers. These must be based in the Netherlands. Vion sets strict requirements for the employment agencies it works with conducting independent audits. Anticipating upcoming legislation, Vion already introduced WTTA audits at the largest parter agencies. The employment agencies must comply with the rules laid down in the Dutch SNA standard (Stichting Normering Arbeid), which, among other things, monitors fair payment. In addition, Vion requires them to comply with the SNF standard (Stichting Normering Flexwonen) for providing good accommodation.
Focus on intake and accommodation
The recruitment process for new employees by temporary employment agencies must be well-organised. NewIt is important that Nnew employees clearly understand their tasks and what is expected of them. In addition, measures have been taken within the applicable collective labour agreement to ensure that an employee can continue to use his or her accommodation for a period after the contract has ended.
Vion also supervises the accommodation on site and carries out wage checks at the temporary employment agencies. Any shortcomings are discussed directly with the responsible agency and Vion ensures that these issues are resolved immediately. In this way, Vion is committed to providing suitable accommodation for our temporary workers, preferably as close to their work as possible. As a member of the COV employers’ organisation, Vion also applies a Fair Employment Code. This code offers extra protection – e.g. in health and safety areas – in addition to legislation and regulations, the SNA and SNF standards and the collective labour agreement.
When an employee decides to leave Vion, their direct daily contact with Vion ends. Vion remains vigilant in ensuring that the employment relationship is terminated and settled in accordance with the SNF standards and the collective labour agreement by our temporary employment agencies towards (former) employees. If we receive any indications to the contrary, we take action.
Integration and support of employees
Vion actively encourage its employees to take up permanent employment. Employees who wish to commit themselves for a longer period are particularly interested in this. We believe it is important to actively promote the integration of all employees within Vion and within society. We offer our colleagues various language courses, tailor-made induction programmes, career opportunities, support with housing through the employment agencies and related support services. Employees can raise questions, share feedback, or file complaints in several ways, including through an independent information point or an external confidential advisor. The internally appointed Social Buddy (a Vion colleague who helps with social integration and well-being, including outside of work) is also an important point of contact during the induction of new employees.
Diversity and inclusivity
Diversity and inclusivity are important themes within an international company such as Vion. With production sites in the Netherlands and Germany and sales support offices around the world, it is important for the organisation to be aware of cultural differences and backgrounds. To create a pleasant and safe working environment, Vion offers country-themed weeks in the canteens, company communications in various languages, native-speaking field coaches as points of contact and support, and simplified communication through pictograms and other visualisations. Whether you work directly for Vion or through a temporary employment agency, every colleague is treated equally in this respect. By working together with local authorities and other social institutions, we also encourage the influx of people with disabilities, refugees or other employees.
Working together on the food chain of tomorrow
In recent years, Vion has taken important steps towards stable employment relationships for everyone. More than 900 agency workers have now been given permanent contracts. Vion sees this as an opportunity to work together on a future-proof, fair and sustainable labour market model within the meat sector. Vion is convinced of the need for a sector-wide approach to healthy, safe and fair work for everyone.
Working at Vion means that you are helping to build future-proof, sustainable food chains. In doing so, you are contributing to the development of tomorrow’s food. Together, we are making a difference, both within the chain and beyond. We are proud of that.