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30 September 2008
BELGIUM — A special works council meeting is deciding the fate of some 400 temporary jobs at Volvo Trucks in Ghent (East Flanders). There is talk of cutting the night shift from the first of January.
The night shift was implemented a year and a half ago to keep up with rising demands. However now, in a weakening economy, demand is trailing off. Volvo wants to cut a total of 1,400 jobs in Ghent and in two Swedish factories.
The management of Opel cars in Antwerp has also decided to stop the night shift from the 17th of November. This is earlier than originally planned. The night shift was due to stop at the end of next year.
The economic crisis is the argument for stopping the night shift earlier than originally planned; fewer cars are being sold therefore the management wants to do away with the assembling shift at night.
The management assures that this will not lead to any job cuts. The trade unions however are furious at the announcement and say they were not consulted. Furthermore, they do not believe that there will be no job losses. They are deciding on whether to take further action.
[flandersnews.be / Expatica]