Barry Callebaut, the global chocolate company, announced in February that it planned to cut over 500 jobs in Belgium. The most significant impact was expected 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.

The liberal trade union ACLVB reported that the number of naked dismissals of workers at Barry Callebaut in Wieze and Lokeren has been reduced from 62 to a maximum of 5. Meanwhile, the socialist trade union BBTK stated that the signals are “hopeful” in Halle, where originally 178 of the 480 jobs were at risk.

In Wieze, the company mentioned that they can fully implement their plans 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. The impact in Halle is potentially significantly reduced, but 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 initially 159 blue-collar and 16 white-collar positions were to be cut. Details are being kept confidential until an agreement is reached.