At first glance, Clement's parliamentary question on the structure and financing of the emergency switchboard appeared harmless. But staff at 112 and 113 have not taken the issue so lightly.
Clement's query, addressed to ministers Taina Bofferding and Henri Kox, covered a series of points on the inner workings on the teams associated with the switchboard. He also queried the qualifications required for team leaders, raising concerns over the disparity in qualifications compared to telephone operators.
An internal message circulating among the 112 teams followed the parliamentary question, asking how details regarding salaries, bonuses, and qualifications had been made public. Clement responded that the internal email could constitute harassment or intimidation of staff.
The email expressed concern over the publication of wages and career structure at the switchboard and claimed that certain employees were being personally attacked as a result of the parliamentary question. The author of the email asked that staff display a good team spirit despite the controversy and requested solidarity. However, the author added they would be extremely disappointed if the information had indeed been leaked by someone on the team.
The message concluded by saying that 112 had not become what it is today through careers and ranking, but rather through teamwork. It ended "for those who disagree, I advise you to find a different position because the majority will agree with this statement".
Clement said this statement in itself could exert pressure on 112 staff members, including his sources, and that it should be treated as a matter of concern. He said the final sentence in particular had made his jaw drop, and it was clearly moral harassment and "mobbing" directed at staff.
Clement added that it was no surprise that CSU staff had requested a parliamentary response on the matter, as such an internal message indicated some measure of dysfunctional management.
The answer to the parliamentary question is secondary at this stage, said Clement, as the response from 112 was far more telling than expected. He said the internal message could be constructed as an attack on the protection of sources, recently confirmed by the Gibéryen ruling. MPs are permitted to protect their sources when drafting or submitting parliamentary questions. Clement stated it was therefore unacceptable for an administration official to exert pressure on their own staff following parliamentary discussion.
The Pirate Party MP added that such behaviour by a high-level executive was extremely problematic. He did not disclose if he had plans to take further action himself, instead preferring to wait for a reply from Henri Kox and Taina Bofferding.
