Barry Callebaut Eliminates 150 Jobs in Lokeren as Part of Global Restructuring Efforts

Lokeren (Eurotoday): Barry Callebaut will cut 150 jobs instead of the planned 500 in Lokeren and Wieze. Union leader Kurt Marysse said this gives workers needed security. Tina De Greef from ACV is upset about the impact on older, skilled workers. Another 178 jobs are at risk in Halle, as the company’s global plan may lead to 2,500 job cuts overall.

Barry Callebaut, the chocolate maker, has reached an agreement with unions regarding job cuts. They initially planned to cut 500 jobs, but now only 150 positions in Lokeren and Wieze will be affected. Kurt Marysse from the ACLVB union said this agreement provides workers with the financial and legal security they need after months of uncertainty. The plan is finalized and doesn’t require a vote.

How will Barry Callebaut’s job cuts impact workers in Lokeren and Halle?

Tina De Greef from the ACV union is upset about the job cuts at the biggest chocolate factory in the world, which makes Belgian chocolate. She said many of the workers losing their jobs are skilled and older than 45, and they might not come back to Belgium. The union wants to help these workers find new jobs. They also plan to keep an eye on the workload for the remaining employees, as 170 people will be leaving Barry Callebaut in the next year.

In Halle, 178 more jobs are at risk, but discussions are still ongoing. Earlier this year, Barry Callebaut announced a cost-cutting plan called “BC Next Level,” which could lead to 2,500 job cuts worldwide, nearly 20% of its workforce. After negotiations, an agreement was reached, and affected workers will receive good compensation and support. The company aims to simplify and digitalize its operations with this plan, allowing them to invest 500 million euros.