A year after the initial franchising of Delhaize shops, 450 workers in Brussels and Wallonia have left and not been replaced, according to the CNE.
The franchising process is expected to conclude in November, and more than 10% of the 4,300 staff in these regions have already gone, reports the Christian trade union. These departures include resignations, medical leave, and retirements.
Myriam Djegham, a CNE national secretary, explains that these employees are being "pushed out" without replacements, worsening conditions for those remaining.
The union claims that new franchise owners target people working reduced hours due to medical issues as well as older workers. They are often accusing them of being too expensive or pressuring them to leave over disagreements.
CNE spokesperson Rosetta Scibilia notes that up to 28 jobs have disappeared in a single store, and warns that at the current rate, thousands of jobs could be lost in the next 4-5 years without Ahold Delhaize paying any severance.
When Delhaize announced its franchising plan, unions and staff protested, warning of deteriorating working conditions and job losses. The CNE believes their fears have been justified.
Despite the absence of union representation in these stores, the CNE promises to prevent exploitative practices that harm all retail workers.
