Spirit is the service provider that will staff the TU/e reception desks from December, 1. This external company decided to offer none of the existing 28 receptionists a new contract, because ‘the conditions of employment (between Sparq and Spirit, ed.) are too far apart’.

The petition campaign that the receptionists launched in response did make the board members think, but ultimately didn’t lead them to change their decision. The same goes for the column by University Council member Ellen Konijnenberg.

In the letter, the Executive Board members try to convey that they didn’t take this decision lightly and that they carefully looked at the options over the past week. They write that they regret the fact that the receptionists weren’t sufficiently involved in the process and that this caused unnecessary tension.

The receptionists are now being offered intensive career guidance by EuFlex. Among other things, this will involve help with writing a resume and cover letter and activation of their network.

Monique* doesn’t need the latter. She worked in human resource management in the past and often speaks to people in her personal network who are responsible for staffing policy. Also about this case. “They say that this was a very bad tender that was not handled professionally. The fact that the consequences for the staff weren’t included in the call for tender is basically unacceptable,” she says.

The 28 receptionists will be invited for a further explanation by the Executive Board at the end of this month. Anil* will try to be there. He will lose his student job on December 31, but is behind the desk in Vertigo today. “I would like to hear what the options were that the Executive Board considered. I am really curious about that.” 

*Last name known to editorial staff