Strikes continue at Delhaize stores, CEO accosted by picketers

Industrial action is expected to continue at Delhaize supermarkets across the country today as workers protest against planned store closures and job cuts. Last week, Delhaize announced the closure of 14 stores in Belgium, eight of them in Flanders, and the loss of 2,500 jobs, one in six of the workforce.

Remaining staff would find themselves working under new contracts as the company attempts to bring its salary and benefits costs down to the level of the competition, which currently enjoy a competitive advantage of 15-30%, said Delhaize management.

On Saturday, Delhaize CEO Denis Knoops visited a store in Wallonia “to support members of staff who wanted to work”. Challenged by the picket line, he referred to working staff as “true Delhaizeans”. One union representative blocked Knoops’ exit, preventing him from leaving for a time.

Also on Saturday, shoppers were turned away from several supermarkets that decided not to open, including one in Aalst that is not threatened with closure. “I understand their point of view,” one shopper told VTM News. “But what do I do now? I’m going to the GB. It’s really not very smart of them.”

The actions that have taken place since the announcement last week have already cost Delhaize hundreds of thousands of euros, according to one estimate. Dutch supermarket chain Albert Heijn hinted last week that it might be interested in some locations as it continues its growth in Flanders. And the independent supermarket owners’ association Alvo also said it had candidates ready to take over Delhaize locations.

Delhaize has said talks regarding the takeover of the condemned stores was “not on the agenda”.