Closing Factories and Union Policy: The Closing Down of Thomassen and Drijver/Verblifa

This article is part of a larger study: "Bedrijfssluiting en Sociaal Beleid," (Closing Factories and Social Policy), Sociaal-Wetenschappelijk Instituut Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, 1972. An attempt is made to discern the social policy of a particular company (Thomassen & Dryven/Verblifa N. V., a subsidiary of the Continental Can Company), & the leaders of involved unions in closing down 3 production units (900 employees). Secondly, the conflicts this policy caused in one of the factories & the community are explored. Methodology includes: content analysis of all important reports, interviews with members of interested groups, & a questionnaire. Data are analyzed by computer. Elements of the union policy are explored, & an evaluation is given of union policy by workers, members of factory councils, staff members of the company, & union leaders. Modified AA.