ExxonMobil oil traders in Brussels who refuse to move to London because of low pay are at risk of losing their jobs.
Unions warn that staff at the multinational company are hesitant to move to London due to their dissatisfaction over “uncompetitive pay” and “lack flexibility”.
A survey conducted by the company revealed that most respondents would reject the move due to these reasons.
Bloomberg first reported that up to 36 traders could lose their jobs if the refuse to relocate.
If they do not comply, those who move will be required to work five days per week from their office.
On Tuesday, unions will protest in front of the company’s headquarters in the Belgian Capital.
ExxonMobil stated that it was “open to resolving this situation”, but London provided a better proximity to trading, talent, and will “support our evolution as an organisation”.
The move comes after the company, which is a rival to Shell and BP in the trading world, asked for its traders to relocate to the UK as part of a massive expansion.
The oil giant employs many of its traders in the UK but still has people in Brussels who work on petroleum products and Biofuel.
Exxon moved its UK traders to the Square Mile from Leatherhead in Surrey and offered cash bonuses to recruit talent.
The unions reported that more than 300 employees, or a third, of the Brussels workforce, had left their jobs over the last three years.
The General Confederation of Liberal Trade Unions of Belgium, Association of Employees, Technicians and Managers, and Confederation of Christian Trade Unions were among them.
First published a statement warning that the meetings with Exxon management were not yielding any results. “Employees are tired”, and have taken action.
ExxonMobil UK employs approximately 2,000 staff. It runs the Fawley refinery, which supplies most of the petrol sold in London and South.