Employees of Melkcentrale NV initiated an unexpected work stoppage on February 25th in response to the announced termination of Director Monché Atompai and Deputy Director of Administrative Services Ritshik Adelaar. The protest effectively halted all production operations and forced the closure of the company’s retail outlet.
According to staff spokesperson Assisa Alibug, the workforce was taken by surprise when Atompai revealed during a pre-protest address that external pressure was being applied to force his resignation and contract termination. Alibug stated that no substantive explanation was provided regarding the reasoning behind this decision, leaving employees deeply concerned about the company’s future direction.
The spontaneous demonstration involved approximately 120-130 personnel across all organizational levels, including management, administrative staff, and production workers. In a show of solidarity, employees have initiated a petition campaign that has already gathered 105 signatures demanding the retention of both executives. Workers emphasized that their protest action was self-organized without any influence from management.
Staff representatives cited Atompai’s successful leadership in stabilizing the company’s financial position, ensuring timely salary payments, and implementing improved operational processes as key reasons for their support. The duration of the work interruption remains uncertain, with employees indicating their actions will continue until management addresses their concerns.
No official statement has been released by company ownership or governing authorities regarding the contractual decisions that prompted the labor action.