Van Eijbergen is a mediator, organizational consultant and professor of Integrity of Organizations at the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht. He supervises research into the integrity of organizations and is a much sought-after expert in the Dutch media to comment on integrity issues in companies and organizations. The Dutchman is expected to start his assignment at VRT soon.
Social unrest arose within the public broadcaster when the management last month stopped the broadcast of the documentary series about Bart De Pauw at the last minute. The process that no one wanted. The unions completely distanced themselves from CEO Frederik Delaplace and spoke of an incomprehensible decision and a mockery for every employee.
Ultimately, Delaplace apologized and the series was broadcast anyway.
At the end of March, the unions’ dissatisfaction was not only about Delaplace’s decision, but also the “declining well-being” at the VRT. “Figures show that well-being came under severe pressure in the past year and that it has reached worrying proportions. Many are concerned about the working atmosphere, but few dare to say it out loud,” the unions said at the time. At the social consultation of March 28, 2024, it was agreed that an external mediator would be sought.
The case also ended up on the political agenda. Flemish opposition parties Groen and Vooruit are even asking for an independent audit to find out whether the VRT can still work independently. That question comes after messages The standard about political interference and possible influence on the broadcast schedule by the VRT top.
Katia Segers (Vooruit) sees a worrying series of facts at the public broadcaster. She refers, among other things, to the postponement of The process that no one wantedthe talks about a postponement of Godforsaken and cooperation with the Flemish government.
Tags: VRT appoints Dutch professor mediator restore trust staff management
