The Emotional Impact of Shutting Down: Ontex Factory in Eeklo

On Thursday, employees of Ontex in Eeklo were informed about the plan to shut down the production site. This will affect approximately 350 workers, including their families who also work at the factory. The emotional impact of this closure is significant as it affects not only employees but also their loved ones.

Ontex has announced a restructuring of its Belgian production and distribution activities, which includes closing the Eeklo factory. The management aims to strengthen operational cost efficiency across Europe by moving production to other Ontex factories. This decision will impact hundreds of jobs and prompt calls for a respectful and constructive dialogue between management and employee representatives.

The unions have emphasized the importance of a social plan and constructive dialogue before considering any actions. They are planning to engage in social dialogue and negotiation before taking any steps. A first mutual consultation is scheduled for Monday to establish a joint approach to the issue.

The ABVV member Jan Holtyzer confirmed that the morning and night shifts had been informed at the Ontex branch in Buggenhout. Discussions about negotiating a social plan are underway and will continue until the end of August. The management has allowed time for employees to process the announcement, with plans to resume work in the near future.

Ministers and union representatives are calling for a peaceful and productive social dialogue to address the challenges faced by affected workers. The government is working to minimize the social impact of the restructuring and provide support to those affected by the changes.

Employees at Ontex were informed on Thursday about their intention to close their production site in Eeklo, affecting approximately 350 workers. Christel Van Hamme from ACV stated that there is no work currently taking place, and employees have been gradually leaving the premises.

Ontex has announced a restructuring of its Belgian production and distribution activities, which includes closing their Eeklo factory. The management aims to strengthen operational cost efficiency across Europe by moving production to other Ontex factories.

The unions have emphasized that they will engage in social dialogue and negotiation before considering any actions.

A first mutual consultation is scheduled for Monday with a joint approach established on how best to handle this issue.