Strikes in supermarket depots coming: “No premium for employees, no parties for employers”

Negotiations about a purchasing power premium in the food trade are in the doldrums. The unions are planning two strike days, on November 15 and 22. In a pamphlet they also warn employers about the end-of-year celebrations.

Source: BELGA

Today at 10:04 PM

The aim of the consultation is a sectoral agreement in the food trade: the workers who are active in the distribution centers and warehouses of the supermarkets.

That consultation has been in the doldrums for some time. The unions want a purchasing power premium of 250 euros for all employees, and additional consultation at company level. The employers are not listening to this, says Dominik Roland of the liberal trade union ACLVB. “The consultations failed, which we regret. We notice no willingness among employers to reach an agreement.”

While the unions demand a premium of 250 euros for employees in all companies with a profit, the employers’ proposal would amount to less than 150 euros in premium for two-thirds of workers, according to the unions.

There has been a strike notice in the sector for some time now. The unions will now organize two days of action on November 15 and 22, says Steve Rosseel, national secretary of ACV Food and Services. “That amounts to a strike, with blockades.”

This may also have consequences for the supermarkets, which are supplied from the depots. In a pamphlet, the trade union front also warns about the end-of-year celebrations. “No premium for employees, no parties for employers,” it says.