In addition, the members of the works council are asking for the organization of an additional works council at all sites and at the head office. The De Tijd newspaper reported on Wednesday that the German distribution group Metro wanted to sell its Belgian branch and that talks were underway with potential candidates. Belgian boss Vincent Nolf reacted in the newspaper by referring to “rumors and speculation”.
“According to the CEO, this is the normal course of business, and it happens every year that it is in the press, but the staff is not reassured”, estimates Ms Nevelsteen.
The unions are therefore not aware of a possible sale, but they were aware of a video call in December between the CEO of the German parent company and all the countries where Metro is present. During this meeting, the question arose whether there would be another sale or closures in the near future. “The CEO’s response was very clear: he indicated that an analysis was underway in all countries and that only countries that provided a positive contribution would be kept in the portfolio. We know that Belgium does not part of these countries”, explains the union representative.
The German Metro group has 17 stores in Belgium: 11 Metro and six Makro. A large part of the real estate also belongs to the distribution group. The distribution chain in Belgium has been doing poorly for several years.
