A little more than half of Delhaize’s own-managed stores were closed on Wednesday due to protests once morest the plan to franchise all of the lion brand’s establishments. Of Delhaize’s 128 integrated stores, 65 have not opened, said group spokesman Roel Dekelver. They are almost all open in Flanders.
The Zellik distribution center, blocked earlier this week, is otherwise operating normally on Wednesday morning. Strike pickets have been set up in Ninove but they have no impact on activities, adds the spokesperson.
A new extraordinary works council was held Tuesday at Delhaize, two weeks following the announcement of the group’s desire to franchise its 128 stores still under its own management, but it did not make it possible to reduce the tension between the unions and management. According to Delhaize, going under franchise is “the only option” to return to growth. The management will begin “soon” to “sort” the approximately 200 buyer candidates.
