Dutch asylum agency admits delays over staff complaints on Rotterdam ship

Complaints about workplace conduct and employees’ sense of safety aboard the Silja in Rotterdam were left too long, the Dutch asylum reception agency COA has acknowledged. It has commissioned an external investigation following allegations of racism and intimidation by managers, but says it cannot yet establish whether remarks attributed to them were made. [1]

Six employees spoke anonymously to the Dutch current affairs programme EenVandaag about alleged discriminatory remarks, unequal treatment and intimidating behaviour. EenVandaag said it also drew on documents, complaints and letters from staff. One employee told the programme that 20 complaints had been filed through the COA’s integrity reporting channel; the COA’s statement does not give a total. According to EenVandaag, the managers approached for comment did not respond. [2]

In its written response, the COA said its board had received reports that concerns about integrity and staff safety on the Silja had been left too long, leaving employees feeling insufficiently heard. It called the alleged remarks very serious, while saying an independent factual investigation was needed to determine whether they had been made. Its acknowledgement of delays is not a finding that the alleged behaviour occurred. [1]

The COA says an external firm has been tasked with investigating the reports and concerns at the ship. It has not named the firm or given a timetable. [1]