FNV Bondgenoten, the largest trade union in the Netherlands, has filed a complaint against the logistics company Flextronics, based in Venray, for allegedly failing to protect its workers by exposing them to toxic gasses. It's the first time the union has filed such a complaint.

In the TV programme NOVA on Wednesday evening, Polish employees of the company described health problems which they say are caused by handling containers filled with toxic gasses. The health problems include dizziness, blackouts, rashes and itching.

Supervisors have refused to allow a medical investigation into the complaints. Moreover, staff who refuse to work with the suspect containers are threatened with the sack. The union has filed complaints not only against the company, but also against the supervisors and senior management.