© © VRT – Geert Van Hoeymissen
The VRT will appoint an “external bridge builder” to restore trust within the organization. The management and trade unions of the public broadcaster reported this on Thursday in separate press releases, after consultations following the fuss over the broadcast of the documentary about the Bart De Pauw case.
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The VRT management and the unions will look for the right person from Friday, according to a press release. “VRT went through a turbulent period last week and that has an influence on many employees,” says the management.
“The management of VRT understands the many concerns and is happy to discuss this with colleagues who wish to do so. Staff members can also call on confidential counselors for a confidential conversation. Together we continue to believe in a strong public broadcaster that makes a difference in our society every day.”
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According to the unions, the commotion surrounding the De Pauw case and the way in which the VRT management has handled a number of files and communicated about them has created “a deep breach of trust” between the staff and management. To restore that trust, management has proposed appointing a mediator. The unions have accepted that.
In addition, ACOD, ACV and VSOA ask that CEO Frederik Delaplace personally provide an explanation of last week’s commotion and that the VRT itself indicates that it is open to an external investigation. “The management will consider this,” the unions conclude.
