Delhaize presses through plan for all its stores to be run under a franchise

"It is important for us to create clarity for the employees of the affected stores" says Delhaize spokesman Roel Dekelver as the opening of the first new independent supermarket is imminent. "The company has made a substantial effort, although it was not obliged to do so."

Employees will keep pay and working conditions in the stores run under a franchise, Delhaize promises. There is also a guarantee that no stores will close at least until the end of 2028. There is also a "transition grant" of 1,645 euros gross, supplemented by 125 euros gross per full year of seniority, as well as a premium of 10,000 euros gross for those who can and want to retire early.

"We believe that this plan is the only possible one that  guarantees the future of Delhaize, to keep all shops open and to guarantee that every employee can make the transition to an independent store," Dekelver told VRT NWS. "

Rejected

The package has been rejected by three of the four unions at Delhaize. Only the Christian union ACV Puls said it wanted to negotiate further.

Delhaize has meanwhile found independent operators for 32 of its 128 supermarkets. In total, some 9,000 employees are involved in the entire operation. "We will systematically announce new operators for the other shops. Obviously, we have set a schedule to transfer a new shop to an independent operator every few days."

"Declaration of war"

The unions are unhappy with the Delhaize's management’ decision. "This is a declaration of war," says Myriam Delmée of the socialist trade union. "This decision was predictable, but the management does not understand that this will cause huge disorder. It has lost more by refusing to negotiate than by agreeing to talks."

"Bonuses to encourage people to retire or by encouraging employees to resign mean the company is absolving itself of its responsibility to lay off its staff" says Myriam Djegham of the Christian trade union