Tens of thousands of euros embezzled at FGTB Métal Liège-Luxembourg, audit expanded
General secretary Joachim Schneider of FGTB Métal Liège-Luxembourg dismissed for serious misconduct. The embezzled amount grows as investigations proceed.
Embezzlement at Liège trade union grows with each investigation
According to rtl.be, the amount that general secretary Joachim Schneider of FGTB Métal Liège-Luxembourg is alleged to have embezzled has not yet been definitively established. Suspicious expenditures continue to emerge with each new investigation, but the amounts involved run to tens of thousands of euros.
The trade union held a crisis meeting between members and leadership. On the agenda were Schneider's dismissal for cause and the functioning of the regional branch itself. The organisations are remaining silent for now about the exact course of events. "No one wishes to comment on this matter," said journalist Michaël Menten, who was on the scene for RTL info.
Previous management had already obtained a confession of debt
Sources at rtl.be indicate that the previous management of the Métallos had obtained a confession of debt signed by Schneider. The current leadership says it was not informed about these facts. The significance of the matter is substantial: it concerns money from the 6,000 affiliated members, making this regional branch one of the largest in the country.
To remove doubts, the accounts of other metalworkers' branches in Liège province will also be subject to an audit over the coming days.
Members react with surprise and discontent
Several members provided their reaction. "We are surprised, because if I know [Schneider], I can say that he absolutely does not have the profile, if I may put it that way," one member said. Another stated: "The interests of workers must come before everything, but in this case unfortunately it was not the interests of workers that took priority for that person."
A third member added nuance: "I think there will probably be an investigation. I do not know the details. Of course, it must be taken into account that he is a human being. All people can make a mistake, even within the FGTB. The person has been sanctioned."
Schneider was dismissed for cause. Whether, besides the internal investigation, there will also be criminal consequences remains unconfirmed for now.
Source: Google News BE FR