In February, Barry Callebaut announced that it would cut over 500 jobs in Belgium. The majority of these cuts were to be made at its branches in Wieze, Lokeren, and Halle. However, due to changing market conditions such as high cocoa prices until the end of April, the impact now seems to be less significant.
Initially, 62 worker jobs were slated to be cut in the East Flemish branches. But now, the company has announced that there will only be a maximum of five redundancies, all in Wieze. The company stated that they can fully implement their plans in Wieze and are conducting a constructive dialogue with their social partners.
Discussions are still ongoing for white-collar workers and executives where 250 jobs are threatened. While the impact in Halle is potentially significantly reduced, no figures have been provided until a full agreement is reached. Unions and management will meet again on May 16, with the next works councils scheduled for May 29 and June 6. The discussions are described as constructive in Halle, where originally 159 blue-collar and 16 white-collar positions were initially to be cut. Details are being kept confidential until an agreement is reached.