Gabriel (a pseudonym) has worked for years as a technician through a subcontracting firm specializing in technology installation, primarily setting up digital products like set-top boxes and routers for customers. Yet, he claims his daily work has increasingly focused on meeting sales quotas for Proximus. “We are expected to add one, or even two products per month… If a customer has internet service, we’re pushed to sell them television, phone, or landline service as well,” he stated.
According to Gabriel, failure to meet these sales targets results in “yellow cards,” which could ultimately lead to suspension. He argues this management practice is illegal, as his employment contract makes no mention of sales responsibilities.
Despite repeated appeals to his management, Gabriel says nothing has changed. “My company tells me ‘that’s just how We see,’ that these requirements are imposed by Proximus and there’s no choice,” he explained. He added that logistical issues, stock shortages, and internal procedures already create a challenging work environment, and the sales pressure is exacerbating the problem. “Proximus is undoubtedly responsible for these objectives,” he asserted. “Employees like me are monitored throughout the day by Proximus, being told ‘today you sell this, that…’ As a subcontractor, Proximus’s wishes are unfortunately non-negotiable.”
Proximus Response
Proximus responded by stating that responsibility lies with the subcontracting management. “Given that this is a subcontractor technician, it depends on the management, which is not within Proximus’s purview,” said Haroun Fenaux, a spokesperson for the telecommunications company. “It is the partner who imposes a salary based on objectives.”
Requests for comment were directed to the company Gabriel works for directly, but a response was not received.
Fenaux clarified the “yellow card” system, stating that in cases of consistently poor performance, Proximus, in consultation with the company concerned, will issue a yellow card after implementing an action plan, including targeted coaching and support. The company maintains that it provides training, tools, and structured coaching to help technicians meet lead generation goals.
