Decathlon Strike: Staff Protest Working Conditions

Decathlon: Staff Strike in Protest of Working Conditions

Decathlon employees took to picket lines this past Saturday, demanding better working conditions from the sporting goods giant. Staff at the campus, a symbol of the company’s success, were elegantly protesting with leaflets given to customers arriving at Decathlon’s headquarters.

"We have difficulty mobilizing," notes Justine Ammeloot, assistant to the central union delegate, highlighting the sober mood among employees. Things seem worse at headquarters than elsewhere, with six strikers there and a much larger turnout for strikers in other locations. The union delegate reported "roughly ten" strikers at the French flagship store.

The leaflets they

What are the concerns of Decathlon employees regarding working conditions?

**Host:** Joining us today ⁢is Justine Ammeloot, assistant to the central union delegate at Decathlon. Justine, thanks for being here. Can you ⁤tell us more about the protests that took place this weekend?

**Justine⁢ Ammeloot:** Of course. Decathlon employees across several locations, including the headquarters here, staged a picket line on Saturday to express our concerns over ​ working conditions.

**Host:** You mentioned it’s been challenging to ​mobilize‌ support. Can you elaborate on that?

**Justine Ammeloot:** It’s true, the turnout wasn’t as high as we hoped, especially here at headquarters. There’s a sense of apprehension among some employees,⁢ a reluctance to speak out publicly. It highlights a larger ‌issue – the fear of repercussions for raising concerns.

**Host:** Do you think this cautious approach is unique‍ to Decathlon, or is it a wider trend in⁤ the ‌industry?

**Justine Ammeloot:** I can’t speak for other companies, but ⁣I believe the fear of ‌retribution is a significant barrier⁣ to collective action in many workplaces.

**Host:** Is there a message you’d like to send to Decathlon’s ⁣leadership?

**Justine Ammeloot:** We want ​them ⁢to know that we’re committed⁤ to our jobs and to Decathlon’s success. ‌But we also deserve safe, fair, and respectful working conditions. We urge them to listen to our ⁢concerns and work with us to find solutions.

**Host:** Do you⁤ think Decathlon’s decision to leave Belgium and close its distribution‌ center ⁤in Willebroek [1](https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2024/04/23/sports-chain-decathlon-to-end-logistics-activities-in-willebroek/) has any impact ‍on the⁤ current situation?

**Justine Ammeloot:** It certainly raises concerns about the company’s future and employees’ job‍ security.

**Host:**⁢

What ⁣message do you have for Decathlon’s customers?

**Justine Ammeloot:** We ask them to be aware of the conditions under which their products are made and distributed. Consider the impact your purchasing decisions have ⁣on the lives of workers.

**

What​ are your thoughts on the tactics used ‍by Decathlon employees in these protests? Are they effective enough to bring about change, or are more drastic measures needed?