Staff at LBIO report toxic workplace and mounting delays in alimony assistance
Employees of the government alimony mediation agency LBIO say a climate of fear and high sick leave is worsening service backlogs, prompting a parliamentary inquiry.
Employees within the LBIO, the public body that mediates unpaid child and partner alimony, allege a pervasive fear culture and intimidation that have led to a surge in sick leave, causing significant delays for parents awaiting assistance. The staff describe the waiting period for help as "extreme," with some families facing weeks of uncertainty and financial strain. State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen of Justice confirmed the problems in a letter to the Tweede Kamer and disclosed that the Labour Inspectorate has launched a formal probe.
The agency reported assisting about six thousand individuals in 2024, achieving a 75% success rate in resolving alimony disputes. Former interim director Jacobine Geel is accused in an anonymous open letter of worsening the situation through harsh management tactics, and staff have called for new leadership. Audio from internal meetings shows Geel acknowledging the high workload and promising corrective actions, though the agency has not responded to media inquiries.
Why it matters
The dysfunction at LBIO threatens timely financial support for families relying on state-mediated alimony.
In this story
