The unions at Barry Callebaut are asking for a “thorough and clear explanation” from management about the savings at the chocolate company. This is what trade unionist Hilde Verhelst (ACV) said at the start of a special works council about the branches in Wieze and Lokeren.
Friday, March 8, 2024 at 12:25 PM
“We expect a thorough and clear explanation with the necessary figures in its entirety, so that we gain insight into this plan, which we currently do not believe in, and that we can make our own analysis.” A European works council fizzled out last week. “It was insufficient,” says colleague Leen De Proost. “And that also made us a bit indignant. And actually bewildered.” De Proost promises to “make critical reservations about the plan. Because we think the plan is wrong.”
“We didn’t hear anything new then,” says Kurt Marysse of ACLVB. “Half-hearted answers.” The liberal union also mainly expects clarity about the concrete implementation. “People expect some clarity from the management. Come up with concrete things. I’m afraid we won’t get that today. I’m not counting on it. But that we would already get a first glimpse of the veil.”
The works council will start on Friday with an information and consultation round. This may provide clarity, although it is not certain that all details of the plan have already been completed and the unions will be satisfied with the communication. .
A cost-cutting operation has been announced at Callebaut with the intention of financing some investments. The plan, called BC Next Level, “indeed promises a future for Barry Callebaut and a future for the various factories,” says Verhelst.
“And we are indeed receiving investments. But it is the employees who have to pay for this through layoffs.” The plan must be thoroughly adjusted, says Verhelst. “We do not believe that with 300 people one can supply less good quality chocolate and provide the necessary good services.”
The Renault procedure for collective redundancies has been started. About 1,200 people currently work for Barry Callebaut in Wieze, about 120 in Lokeren and 480 in Halle. Worldwide, 2,500 of the 13,000 jobs would disappear under the current plan.