Myriam Djegham, the national secretary of the trade sector of the CNE, was a guest on Bel Matin this Friday, just one month following the start of the social conflict between workers and management at Delhaize. During the interview with Antonio Solimando, Djegham discussed the ongoing mobilization, strikes, pickets, blockades, petitions, and leaflets, drawing attention to the determination and strength of workers who face an announcement that constitutes a bombshell for those with many years of seniority. Despite a management strategy aimed to break the movement, workers are determined to continue their fight. Djegham highlights the importance of determination and mobilization for the workers to win.
Delhaize is preparing to do everything to keep its stores open and distribution center running during the Easter weekend, despite the risk of unions carrying out new actions of protest once morest the management’s decision to franchise its 128 stores still in own management. Though some stores have reopened, many remain closed, mostly in Brussels and Wallonia, and the distribution center might also be targeted. However, Delhaize remains committed to ensuring continuity of its activities during one of the supermarket’s traditionally important times.
Myriam Djegham was the guest of Bel Matin this Friday. Just one month following the start of the social conflict between workers and management at Delhaize, the national secretary of the trade sector of the CNE answered questions from Antonio Solimando.
Just one month of mobilization, strikes, pickets, blockades, petitions and leaflets, what conclusions do you draw from all this?
“The determination and the strength of the workers who faced with an announcement which really constituted a bombshell for workers who most of them have many years of seniority and who have been faithful to their position, in particular to allow the Delhaize group to make a profit and who feel completely crushed by this decision and who are very determined. Today, some stores are reopening but it is not at all because there is less mobilization or strikers but because the management is forcing both moral, both brainwashing, both appeals to the bailiffs and the police. So there is really a management strategy to break the movement.”
But is the movement effective because so far the direction has not moved in its plan?
“The only possible efficiency and the only way for the workers to get something is to beat it and they understand that. That’s why they do it.”
Is it some kind of time war? Is it a waiting game?
“In particular the date of the next conciliation set for April 18 when we are in a conflict which normally should lend itself to urgency. For us, this is clearly one of the additional elements which prove that management wants break the movement. And indeed you have workers who have been losing pay for a month, who have had no family life for a month. It is difficult for them and it is one of the management’s additional weapons. But only determination and mobilization can make it possible to come out on top.”
Delhaize ready to do anything to ensure the continuity of its activities during the Easter weekend
Delhaize will “do everything” to keep its stores open and its distribution center running over Easter weekend, a traditionally important time for the supermarket chain, it said on Friday.
At the dawn of a long weekend generally marked by a large turnover, the risk is great to see the unions carrying out new actions of protest once morest the decision of the management to franchise its 128 stores still in own management. .
It is likely that several branches will keep their doors closed, according to a union source. The distribution center might also be targeted.
Delhaize will do everything to ensure the continuity of its activities, indicates the company without saying more regarding the means which will be implemented.
On Friday, 78 of the 128 stores affected by management’s announcement are open. The black spots are mainly found in Brussels and Wallonia.
In conclusion, the social conflict between workers and management at Delhaize continues to escalate despite the company’s efforts to keep stores open and operations running smoothly. The determination and mobilization of the workers has been admirable, and although they have not yet achieved their goals, they understand that only persistence will get them there. As the next conciliation meeting approaches, tensions remain high and it is uncertain what the outcome will be. Delhaize’s decision to franchise its 128 stores still in own management has had a significant impact on its employees, and it remains to be seen how the company will address these concerns in a meaningful way. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as they become available.