Carrefour will remain in Belgium, assures management, pointing out that the retailer has achieved a positive turnaround in the country. The unions, on the other hand, are expressing serious concerns.
“A lot of speculation”
Carrefour’s management has assured the unions and employees that the retailer will remain in Belgium. This is the company’s response to rumours of a possible exit that were launched this morning by the newspapers De Tijd and L’Echo. The retailer believes that these reports contain many incorrect assumptions and speculation.
“Like any company, the Carrefour Group is constantly evaluating and optimizing its strategy and operational activities in order to remain a relevant player and continue to offer our customers the best,” says Carrefour Belgium spokesperson Damien Bytebier. “For the past three years, Carrefour Belgium has been achieving a positive turnaround, which has been praised by the Group. Carrefour is and will remain an indispensable player in Belgium. This is thanks to the efforts of all our employees and the ambitious goals we pursue to satisfy our customers day after day.”
“A shock”
The unions are concerned, although they also say that the news comes as no great surprise. “We have already been in contact with our colleagues in Poland, Romania, Italy, and Argentina, and we see that the Italian case is very similar to the Belgian one. There were no more investments and outdated retail premises, which is something we are also seeing in Belgium. In addition, the financial figures here are not that great,” Wouter Parmentier of ACV Puls told HLN. According to him, there is therefore great concern among employees. “Carrefour has very loyal staff, with quite high seniority, so a sale would come as a shock to them.”
“It’s certainly not the case that tomorrow those stores will disappear and everyone will lose their jobs,” retail expert Gino Van Ossel reassures to VTM News. He points out that the majority of operations have been outsourced to independent entrepreneurs. Social consultations between management and trade unions are planned for Thursday, concerning Sunday openings for hypermarkets and integrated supermarkets. This topic is also likely to be discussed.
