In a significant shift in the job market, Barry Callebaut has announced that it will cut over 500 jobs in Belgium, specifically at its branches in Wieze, Lokeren, and Halle. Initially, the company had planned to dismiss over 60 workers in the East Flemish branches. However, due to changing market conditions and high cocoa prices until the end of April, the impact of the job cuts is now expected to be less severe.
The liberal trade union ACLVB has reported that the number of naked dismissals at Barry Callebaut in Wieze and Lokeren has been reduced from 62 to a maximum of five. The socialist trade union BBTK has described the signals as “hopeful” in Halle, where 178 of the 480 jobs were originally at risk. Conversations for white-collar workers and executives are still ongoing, with an expected greater impact on these roles due to their complexity involving local, regional, and global functions.
Dialogue between Barry Callebaut and its social partners in Wieze is described as constructive, with plans to reduce inefficient structures while limiting the impact on affected employees. Discussions are also constructive in Halle, where blue-collar and white-collar job losses have potentially been significantly reduced. Further meetings are scheduled for the coming weeks to continue these discussions as both parties work towards finding a solution that benefits all involved.
