theme image — © MARC HERREMANS – MEDIA HOUSE
–
The staff in the Albert Heijn store in Mol stopped work on Tuesday morning as a protest against the extension of the Sunday openings. They also denounce the extreme flexibility and pressure on their private lives. This is reported by the Christian trade union ACV. Other stores may also follow later, especially in Antwerp and Ghent.
–
The promotion comes after the management of Albert Heijn Belgium recently announced that they would extend the opening hours from only Sunday morning to all day. “We understand that there is increasing competition from other major players such as Jumbo,” said trade unionist Koen Roosen (ACV Puls). “We are not against this expansion either, but we want social consultation about the conditions.”
For example, the union asks for better hours on Sundays, a supplement for Sunday work, and a guarantee of sufficient free Sundays. “These people have been referred to as essential workers in the corona crisis, but they have seen too little in return. This action is therefore a logical consequence, you cannot continue to squeeze people,” says Roosen.
The store in Mol will remain closed all day. “The staff may continue the action on Wednesday if the questions are not followed,” it sounds. The shops in Antwerp (Hessenplein) and Ghent (Korenmarkt) are then mentioned in particular.
—
