Restructuring events
European Restructuring Monitor (ERM)
The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Barry Callebaut a Swiss multinational company and chocolate producer has announced it will dismiss at least 300 employees across several facilities in Belgium, concretely those in: Wieze, Lokeren and Halle. The majority of the dismissals take place amongst white collar workers and professional and managerial positions.
Trade unions were expecting dismissals and other budget cuts. However they state that they are surprised by the extent and amount of dismissals that are currently planned. The plans are part of a worldwide effort by the company to reduce costs by approximately 15%. Other facilities in other countries are and will be affected as well.
Update 15/05/2024: The number of compulsory redundancies at Barry Callebaut in Wieze and Lokeren has been reduced from 62 to a maximum of five, the liberal trade union ACLVB reported. Trade unions are also carefully optimistic for the facility in Halle, where 178 of the 480 jobs were initially under threat.
Update 19/06/2024: Despite recent actions by employees at the facility in Wieze, Barry Callebaut's management has decided to continue its restructuring plan. The plan entails significant job losses: 311 jobs in Lokeren and Wieze, and 178 in Halle.
Update 28/11/2024: The unions and management of chocolatier Barry Callebaut have reached a social agreement as part of the company’s restructuring. In total, 150 people will lose their jobs in Wieze and Lokeren, half the initially threatened 300 positions.
Eurofound (2024), Barry Callebaut, Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 200862, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://dev.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/200862.
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