Delhaize works council again measure for nothing, unions about ‘guarantees’ from management: “Piece of shit wrapped in wrapping paper” | inland

The consultation between trade unions and management at Delhaize was again a measure of nothing this afternoon. “We refuse to discuss a future plan during an ordinary works council”, said BBTK representative Chantal Delie afterwards. The unions have also pointed out to the management that a number of collective labor agreements are not being observed. “For example, directors open shops too early and use trainees to perform dangerous tasks in order to break strikes.”

ACLVB union man Wilson Wellens is also concerned about the efforts of students and the risks this entails for their safety. “In addition, this is of course sabotage of the right to strike.” Wellens even called today’s works council “a step backwards”. “How can we conclude agreements if agreements are not kept and there are further escalations? We now have to wait and hope for reconciliation and real negotiations,” said the trade unionist.

A little later, the management communicated four guarantees to the unions in writing that it had intended to present to the works council. This concerns a confirmation of wages and employment conditions, a guarantee not to close any supermarkets under own management until the end of 2028 (the guarantee also applies after a takeover by an independent operator), guarantees regarding long-term illness, gradual resumption of work and medical restrictions, and a proposal to transfer remaining overtime hours as standard.

The management also states that “it will continue to focus on a serene and constructive dialogue and will do everything possible to answer all questions regarding the future plan and to enter into a debate with the social partners”.

However, Delhaize’s promises are worth nothing, ACLVB union man Wilson Wellens said shortly after the announcement by the management. “If you remove the varnish from those so-called guarantees, and the rest of the management communication, you see that this is not an oak cabinet, but just plastic,” says Wellens.

The trade unionist has questions about the management’s communication strategy. “At every moment of consultation, they spread unilateral communication to the outside world, instead of proposals and arguments at the negotiating table,” says Wellens. “We remember the video of the CEO, this morning the announcement about the ban on blocking stores and distribution centers and now the four ‘guarantees’. They all add even more fuel to the fire.”

“This management has a history of breaking promises,” it sounds. “And why are they making a promise about no closures until 2028? Aren’t they going to franchise all those stores?”.

They also see nothing new in the communication of the management on the French-speaking side. “The management has not changed a comma,” said Myriam Delmée of the socialist Setca. “Delhaize’s communication consists of wrapping a piece of shit in gift wrap and selling it as ‘beautiful’.”

The management also announced on Tuesday evening that a new works council is planned for May 22. That is also the day on which the common trade union front in Brussels holds a national event in response to the situation at Delhaize. “Again not a coincidence, as this file is made up of things that are not a coincidence,” said Wellens. “We are going to argue and will therefore not be there.”

Social dialogue at the supermarket chain has been stuck since the announcement of the intention to privatize the 128 own Delhaize stores at the beginning of March. When the shops are taken over by independent operators, the management guarantees the retention of wages and working conditions for the 9,000 employees involved, but the unions clearly have serious doubts about this.

The ban on strike actions blocking Delhaize stores and distribution centers has now been extended to the whole of Belgium. The chain can therefore continue to send bailiffs to all stores that remain closed. “This is regrettable, but the actions continue,” says Wellens. “The fact that outsiders apply graffiti and vandalism is significant. Delhaize does not listen to the people.”

As a precaution, the police were present in large numbers at Delhaize’s headquarters in Zellik this afternoon, but no other trade unionists showed up besides the participants in the works council.