Works council at Delhaize again measure for nothing | Interior

“We refuse to discuss a future plan during an ordinary works council”, said BBTK representative Chantal Delie afterwards. The trade unions have 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 the works council “a step backwards”. “How can we conclude agreements if agreements are not kept and there are further escalations? It is now a matter of waiting and hoping for reconciliation and real negotiations,” said the trade unionist. On May 22, the common trade union front will hold a national event in Brussels in response to the situation at Delhaize.

The social dialogue at Delhaize has been stuck since the announcement of the intention to privatize the 128 own 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 question this.

The ban on strike actions blocking Delhaize stores and distribution centers has now been extended to the whole of Belgium. The supermarket 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.”