Some GB stores on strike

2 July 2007

BRUSSELS – Seven GB stores are keeping their doors closed today. The personnel are on strike to protest the restructuring plans of the Carrefour management.

The GBs in Dendermonde, Oudenaarde, Ghent-Dampoort, Ekeren, Quiévrain, Sint-Niklaas and La Louvière are closed. The unions representing the workers at the department store chain have called on the personnel to come to the works council meeting in Brussels at 1 pm today. The unions have hired in buses to transport the workers.

The works council meeting will further elaborate on the company’s restructuring plans. The unions want the management to provide exact figures on the plans.

They also want management to look into all possible alternatives to closing down stores. The unions are not willing to enter negotiations again until September.

Two weeks ago Carrefour management announced that 16 smaller GB stores would be closing because they are operating at a loss. 900 jobs are in danger.

The GBs in Halle, Heppen (Leopoldsburg), Deurne, Ukkel, Rocourt, Grivegnée, Anderlues, Gilly and Doornik plan to stay open all day today.

Subject: Belgian news