According to unions, there's certainly no end in sight to the strikes at the Belgian chip company Clarebout. Since the failed mediation attempt last Thursday, there has been no contact between the potato processor and the unions.
Clarebout claims that 60% of employees back to work Production is back on track and contracts with customers are being honored. According to the unions, a majority are still on strike.
The unions say they are waiting for an invitation to resume negotiations on a basis acceptable to the employees. The strike is having a severe impact on the company and its income, according to the unions. "But it's of no use; it's not a matter of money, but a matter of principle: Jan Clarebout will not give his employees a cent more. It's his money; no one touches it. He'd rather lose millions in production, hire lawyers and bailiffs. As long as it's not for his employees."
Incident
According to Clarebout, the strikers show no respect for people who want to return to work. They are accused of physical violence, intimidation, and blockades. The unions claim there was a "regrettable incident." The unions maintain that the incident was not their fault.
According to the unions, the French fry manufacturer is using every means to break the strike. "Pressure on employees, posting notices that inflame tensions, illegal bonuses for employees who come to work, illegal contracts for temporary workers, and abuse of bailiffs. In short, social abuse."
A majority of the strikers will continue their protests, the unions say. "Even though this struggle is financially difficult, given the significant wage losses." The workers have now been on strike for thirteen days. They are demanding what they consider fair compensation for their contribution to the company's value creation. The unions estimate the sale of Clarebout to the American food giant Simplot at over €3 billion.