“Delhaize Lockout Investigation: Updates and News from Labor Inspectorate and Minister of Economy”

2023-05-17 14:59:00

The Labor Inspectorate is investigating the closures recently decreed by the management of Delhaize “for security reasons”, indicated the Minister of the Economy Pierre-Yves Dermagne (PS) in the Social Affairs Committee of the Bedroom. At the end of April, the management of the large distribution company had decided to close for two days two of its integrated stores – those of Ixelles-Flagey and Mons – for security reasons, she had argued.

To put pressure?

According to the unions, these closures correspond to a ‘lock-out’, ie the temporary closure of a company decided by the employer to respond to a collective dispute such as a strike. A process which, according to these organizations, is generally used when a strike is partial, in order to put pressure on the strikers, the non-strikers then no longer being paid.

Questioned on this subject by Frameris MP Catherine Fonck in particular, Pierre-Yves Dermagne indicated that an investigation had been opened by the Labor Inspectorate to verify whether the reasons for these closures were indeed cases of force majeure, and whether the lockout has been decided lawfully or not. “If the lockout is considered illegal, the employer cannot avoid his contractual obligations and must pay the salary. Non-payment is sanctioned by the penal code”, detailed the minister.

Meetings

In addition, a first meeting described as constructive was held with the representatives of the various joint committees regulating work in this sector. A second meeting will take place “in the days to come”, added Mr. Dermagne, in favor of harmonizing working conditions.

On the other hand, the Minister did not expand on the mission of the social conciliator in progress, contenting himself with indicating that the contacts were “very regular”.

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