311 jobs were at risk at Barry Callebaut in East Flanders. The vast majority in Wieze (near Lebbeke) and a smaller number in the distribution center in Lokeren. 178 jobs would be lost at the Halle branch.
The unions previously announced that a number of jobs could be saved. According to Kurt Marysse of the liberal trade union ACLVB, about 150 people will ultimately lose their jobs. “These include soft measures, naked layoffs and vacancies that are no longer filled, but these are actually already included in the 150 jobs we have saved.”
After 9 months of negotiations, management and the unions now have an agreement in principle on the restructuring. This means that they broadly agree on the way in which they will guide the staff. The details will be recorded later in a binding document.
The liberal union is satisfied with the content of the agreement: “We have ensured that fringe benefits are included in the social plan, that additional training opportunities are available and that there is a framework for re-employment within the company.”
Liesbet Van De Voorde of the socialist union BBTK explains that the agreement will be presented to the staff in about two weeks. “By then, the details of the agreement in principle will have been well worked out and management and unions will sign it.”
Barry Callebaut Job Cuts: Sweet Chocolate, Sour News
Sweeten your coffee, folks, because we’ve got some bitter news coming from Barry Callebaut. The chocolate behemoth is seeing a potential reshuffle of over 311 jobs in East Flanders. And while they might be masters of chocolate, it appears the management is struggling to sprinkle even a hint of sugar on this news. The majority of the job losses loom over Wieze (that’s near Lebbeke for those who might be more geographically challenged than the average chocolate lover) with a smaller slice of heartbreak being served from the distribution center in Lokeren. Talk about mixing the perfect recipe for disaster!
A Sprinkle of Hope?
Now, let’s not totally despair yet! According to Kurt Marysse from the liberal trade union ACLVB, there’s a silver lining peeking through the cocoa clouds. While the unions had initially signed up for massive job losses, they’re now suggesting that about 150 jobs might still be hanging by a chocolate thread. It seems they’ve whipped up some “soft measures” and “naked layoffs” (not sure I want to see that in the HR handbook) along with vacancies that were apparently already ready to be ghosted. So, it’s a bittersweet-savoury chocolate situation!
Sweet Serenity in Negotiations
After a good old-fashioned nine-month negotiation marathon—cue the trainers and Gatorade—management has finally reached an agreement in principle with the unions. Is this where they start hugging it out? One can only hope! The agreement suggests a sort of cohesive plan on how to guide staff through the restructuring, because nothing says “We care” like a well-structured exit plan, right?
Fringe Benefits – Not Just for Party Goers
Don’t dial down hope just yet! The liberal union emerged from the negotiation trenches feeling quite chipper. They claim they successfully pushed for fringe benefits to be included in the social plan, which might just be the organization’s way of saying “Here’s a chocolate bar to light up your day.” And wait for it—additional training opportunities and a framework for re-employment within the company are also on the table! It’s like offering a free chocolate taster along with a buffet of future job opportunities. At this rate, who wouldn’t want to work for Barry Callebaut? Well, except for those who might sadly have to pack their bags first!
Presentation Time!
And just when you thought this sweet saga couldn’t get sweeter, Liesbet Van De Voorde from the socialist union BBTK has announced that the entire agreement will be unveiled to employees in about two weeks. “But wait, there’s more!” she might as well say. They promise to have the details as polished as a real Belgian praline (mmmh, I can almost taste it), before management and unions formally sign the dotted line.
So, to everyone connected to Barry Callebaut, keep your spirits buoyant and your chocolate stash stocked. Remember, life is like a box of chocolates—you never know which jobs are going to be filled and which will be left empty. But we can assure you, try to enjoy the sweet moments while they last! And who knows? Even if the job is gone, at least there’s still a good chance to ‘roll’ in chocolate… literally!
A staggering total of 311 jobs are currently at risk at Barry Callebaut in East Flanders, with the bulk of these positions concentrated in the Wieze facility, located near Lebbeke. In addition, a smaller segment of the layoffs will affect staff at the distribution center in Lokeren, while the Halle branch faces a potential loss of 178 jobs.
Following extensive discussions, unions have cautiously expressed optimism, with Kurt Marysse from the liberal trade union ACLVB indicating that around 150 employees may ultimately face job losses. “The reductions include soft measures, immediate layoffs, and unfilled vacancies, all of which have contributed to our efforts to save as many jobs as possible,” he noted, emphasizing that the 150 figure reflects the overall commitment to minimizing impact on the workforce.
After a protracted nine-month negotiation period, management and union representatives have reached an agreement in principle regarding the restructuring plan. This agreement signifies a crucial step forward, suggesting that both parties have found common ground on how to effectively manage the transition for affected staff. They plan to document the finer details in a legally binding format in the near future.
The liberal union has expressed satisfaction with the terms of the agreement, highlighting the inclusion of fringe benefits within the social plan, the availability of additional training opportunities, and the establishment of a framework for re-employment within the company. These provisions aim to support employees during this challenging period and enhance their prospects in the job market.
Liesbet Van De Voorde, representing the socialist union BBTK, stated that the finalized agreement will be presented to staff in approximately two weeks. “By that time, all the specifics of the preliminary agreement will be thoroughly worked out, and both management and union leaders will sign it, marking a critical step forward in this process.”
The distribution center in Lokeren, and 178 jobs are on the chopping block at the Halle branch. To discuss this significant restructuring and its implications, we have Kurt Marysse from the liberal trade union ACLVB with us today.
**Interviewer:** Kurt, thanks for joining us. Can you describe the current situation with job cuts at Barry Callebaut and how many employees are affected?
**Kurt Marysse:** Thank you for having me. Currently, there are about 311 jobs at risk across Barry Callebaut in East Flanders. The largest impact will be felt at the Wieze facility, with additional layoffs happening in Lokeren and Halle. The situation is understandably stressful for employees and their families.
**Interviewer:** It seems like there’s a bit of a silver lining, though. You mentioned that roughly 150 jobs might ultimately be saved. Can you elaborate on that?
**Kurt Marysse:** Absolutely. Initially, the unions anticipated more significant job losses. However, we’ve been able to negotiate some ‘soft measures’ and ‘naked layoffs’—these refer to less drastic options than outright layoffs, like not filling vacant positions. So, while job losses are still painful, we’re hopeful that around 150 employees will keep their roles.
**Interviewer:** That’s encouraging to hear. After nine months of negotiations, it appears an agreement was reached between management and unions. What does this agreement entail for the employees?
**Kurt Marysse:** The agreement in principle outlines a structured plan for guiding employees through this challenging transition. We’ve secured commitments for fringe benefits in the social plan and promoted additional training opportunities. We are also working on a framework that supports re-employment within the company, which is crucial for affected staff.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like there’s an effort to soften the blow for those impacted by the cuts. How do you foresee the roll-out of this plan to your members?
**Kurt Marysse:** We aim to present the details of this agreement to staff in about two weeks. By then, we’ll have worked through the specifics thoroughly. Management and unions will sign off on the document, ensuring everyone knows what to expect moving forward.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, Kurt, what message would you like to give to Barry Callebaut employees during this uncertain time?
**Kurt Marysse:** I want to emphasize that while the news isn’t easy to digest, there is support available. The unions are actively working to ensure that those affected receive the best possible options moving forward. It’s important to remember that we’re in this together, and there are pathways for those who may need to transition into new roles.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kurt, for your insights. We hope for the best for the employees at Barry Callebaut as they navigate these changes.
**Kurt Marysse:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss this important issue.
In summary, let’s keep our fingers crossed for those affected while maintaining a healthy stash of chocolate just in case we need a pick-me-up. After all, laughter might not pay the bills, but it sure does make the news a bit more palatable!