The Implementation of a Sustainable Employment Alternative in a Belgian context of Corporate Restructuring: a 'less than obvious' challenge

We present a case study of the processes and challenges confronting various actors – management, HR, employees and trade unions – when management and HR put forward a sustainable employment initiative in a Belgian restructuring context in which employees/trade unions view transitional pensions as an acquired right. We focus on factors that stimulate or do not stimulate employees to choose a sustainable employment alternative. The uncovered processes are of value in gaining insight into similar cases.