Delhaize workers and unions went on strike in Brussels on Monday, leading to the closure of 18 locations across the capital, trade union Setca announced.
Unions are expressing their dissatisfaction with the company’s management following the decision to turn Delhaize locations into franchises, which workers fear will lead to a drop in salary and poor working conditions.
According to socialist union Setca, workers received letters on 7 July announcing that their positions would be terminated “between August and December, or even a little later.” Workers are apparently set to receive an official termination letter four weeks prior to their notice period.
"This goes one step too far in the management approach," complained Fabienne Meulemans, permanent secretary of Setca.
An ordinance preventing striking workers from blocking access to stores expired on 24 July, allowing unions to protest the company management again. Delhaize is opposed to the blocking of stores, which it called "counterproductive", and is attempting to challenge the unions in court.
