Supermarket chain Delhaize plans to offer large bonuses to workers who agree to join franchised stores in a bid to put an end to months of ongoing labour disputes across the country.
In total, the supermarket chain intends to mobilise €40 million to this end. The new proposal, which was tabled by management at the end of last week, lays out a series of support measures for the supermarket’s nearly 9,000 staff members employed in the 128 stores that the company plans to franchise.
Under the plans, workers would receive a bonus of €1,500, supplemented by an extra €125 per year worked. This would mean that a veteran employee, who had worked for the company for 18 years, could receive a bonus of up to €3,750. Workers would also be set to receive a one-off compensation of €145 for the loss of their sectoral bonus.
Delhaize also wants to encourage those who are legally eligible to take early retirement to do so. Around 800 workers will be offered €10,000 to take their retirement ahead of time. It is currently possible to retire at the age of 60, so long as the worker has worked 44 cumulative years.
Liberal trade union CGSLB has already rejected Delhaize's proposal. Other unions will consult with their workers this week.
As a result of dispute, operating profits at managing group Ahold Delhaize halved last quarter falling to €134 million, down from an expected €267 million.
Workers are protesting plans to sell the stores to private owners, who will operate them under a franchise model. The supermarket workers have been fighting against a deterioration of working conditions and pay.
