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.
Caterpillar, American manufacturer of machinery and earthmoving equipment, announced its intention to cut 1,400 jobs at its plant in Gosselies. Some sources state that 1,100 of these job cuts will concern blue-collar workers and 300 will affect white-collar staff.
According to the management, the decision was necessary to ensure the competitiveness of the plant. At the same time the unions are strongly opposing the closure, branding it “a social drama”. Further negotiations between management and unions are envisioned.
There has been great political interest in the redundancies at Caterpillar Gosselies and representatives of different levels of government have met the unions and management. According to media reports the Belgian Prime Minister has voiced his deep concern for the reasons behind the restructuring, questioning arguments around the competitiveness of the plant. There is deep concern that these redundancies may be the first step towards the full closure of the plant.
The Renault procedure was launched. Authorities and unions will aim to reduce the number of jobs affected.
As reported, Belgium has applied for assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF).
Eurofound (2013), Caterpillar Belgium, Internal restructuring in Belgium, factsheet number 75027, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://dev.eurofound.europa.eu/restructuring-events/detail/75027.
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