Delhaize shops set to shut on Friday

Numerous Delhaize outlets around the country are set to shut up shop this Friday in protest at the management’s planned restructuring programme. The decision was adopted by staff after a works council on Monday and confirmed by participating trade unions on Tuesday.

Since Delhaize is planning to lay off 2,500 employees, the works council was held in the framework of the so-called Renault collective dismissal procedure. During the first part of the procedure, the unions are allowed to ask any questions needed to assess the company’s financial situation.

On Monday, Delhaize management failed to answer all the unions’ questions. There is a strong feeling among the unions that Delhaize intends to finance its €450 million investment programme with savings made “off the back of workers”. After a consultation with staff, the unions called for strike action this Friday, 26 September.