Unions will close 15 Delhaize supermarkets today
After a break in negotiations during the summer holidays, Delhaize unions are again implementing industrial action to protest at the supermarket group’s closing of several Belgian stores
Strike actions to continue
The stores in Flanders include locations in Genk, Lommel, Roeselare, the Ghent district of Wondelgem and the Fruithoflaan in Antwerp. Five stores in Brussels are also affected: De Fré and Fort Jaco in Ukkel, Mutsaard in Laken, Boondaal in Elsene and Hankar in Oudergem.
According to Delhaize, the measures are economically necessary. Delhaize employs more than 15,000 people in 854 stores, but pays between 15% and 33% more than its competitors Carrefour, Colruyt and Albert Heijn.
When the plans were first announced in June, some stores closed for several days in protest, until unions decided to leave the matter on the table until after the summer holidays. It’s likely that further actions will follow.
photo courtesy Delhaize
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