BRUSSELS — Union representatives are to meet management at the international courier company DHL in a bid to smooth growing staff discontent.

Workers have been increasingly angered after DHL announced it would cut back its activities at Brussels International Airport after months of stalemate between the federal and regional governments.

The company wanted to make Zaventem airport an “intercontinental hub”, but last week scrapped its plans because Belgian politicians couldn’t agree to allow it extra night flights.
Up to 1,700 job cuts are expected to follow at DHL when the company cuts back activities after 2008.

A meeting has been set between DHL managements and unions for 3 November at 2pm.
“We are still sticking to our point of view,” said Joris Welters of the CSC union. “We want to talk about jobs and not about collective dismissal.”

Lode Verschingel, speaking for the CNE union, said his members were still focused on the protest planned for this Friday. He said the march would air grievances beyond the DHL case and beyond even that of companies at the airport.

Several thousands are expected to join the march through Brussels, including workers from Volkswagen.

[Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject: Belgian news