Internal developments
As in the past year, this subject-matter is dwelt upon in detail in
the annual social report that will be drawn up separately.
It will suffice here for us to mention the further increase in the
number of our staff from 286 at the end of 1977 to 328 at the end
of 1978. From the point of view of employment this is a gratifying
development. Yet by changes in the organisation and progressive
automation we shall try to restrict a further increase in our
staff numbers.
In our previous report we already mentioned the accommodation
problems at our head office. In this connection we moved our
computer centre to Wibautstraat, Amsterdam, during the first few
months of 1978. Due to the extension of our staff the lack of space
has not diminished. Discussions with the Amsterdam city council
about a new location have not resulted in any prospect of a
short-term solution within the city.
At the time of going to press no definite decision had been made
yet about the new accommodation of our head office.
Consultations with the newly-elected members of the Staff Council,
which started its activities mid 1978, were critical but as
constructive as they were with the previous Council. We should
like to thank the members of the previous Staff Council here for
the important contribution they made to bringing about
improvements in the field of employment conditions and the
social climate within our company.
At the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held on
1st November 1978 we announced the appointments of
Mr. J.W. van Dijk as a member of the Managing Board.
Mr. van Dijk commenced his activities with FGH on 1st February
1979. It is intended that he will succeed Mr. J. de Wilde per
1st May 1979 as chairman of the Managing Board.
Although this report is co-signed by Mr. de Wilde, we as his
colleagues wish to thank him here not only for the many and
important services he rendered to FGH, but for what he meant
to many of his employees personally in their respective functions.
We may call ourselves happy that Mr. de Wilde will continue
to be associated with FGH as a Supervisory Director.
For the other appointments and changes we refer to our
Annual Social Report.
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