Negotiations between Decathlon and trade unions broke down: “Stalled after management refused the presence of a colleague” (Willebroek)

Tuesday’s planned meeting between the unions and Decathlon management has been cancelled. This is reported by the joint trade union front. In April, the French sports chain announced it would close its distribution warehouse in Willebroek, along with 132 jobs.

Source: BELGA

Today at 5:34 PM

“There was actually no beginning of a real consultation,” says representative Matthieu Marin (BBTK). “We got stuck after management refused the presence of a colleague.”

Marin is referring to Erika Lambert of the Christian trade union ACV Puls, who has been active at Decathlon for ten years. After the dismissals, Lambert expressed himself rather metaphorically and compared the lack of normal trade union functioning at Decathlon with the country of Bangladesh. That comparison went wrong with the management and Lambert became persona non grata.

Out of solidarity, and especially because of the lack of a legal basis to exclude Lambert, the unions refused to sit around the table without Lambert. “But we have still taken a step,” Marin added. “It was the first time in five years that we were able to physically meet with the management (normally the conversations take place online, ed.). And new dates for reconciliation have been requested.”

Decathlon will meet again with the trade union front on May 14, 16, 21 and June 6. Normally with a social mediator. The management is said to have already agreed to the mediation meeting of the joint committee.

Decathlon was not immediately available for comment on Tuesday afternoon. In the past, the French sports chain has always said that it will find a solution for the staff in Willebroek.