Belgium: Strike breaks out at AB InBev brewery in Hoegaarden

A strike broke out at AB InBev in Hoegaarden on February 4, according to the ACV union and confirmed by company management, The Brussels Times reported.

Approximately 150 out of the total 215 employees are expected to participate in the strike.

The immediate cause is the dismissal of an employee. "She had been with the company for 35 years and was close to retirement. She handled payroll and was a trusted confidante within the company," said ACV secretary Sander Mouton. "Her dismissal has upset a large group of employees, and she has substantial support."

About 80-90% of the morning shift did not work on February 4. Overall, 150 of the 215 employees, or about 70%, are expected to strike throughout the day. The unions were holding a staff meeting on February 4 afternoon.

"We regret the strike by some of the brewery staff in Hoegaarden due to the termination of an individual employee," AB InBev responded. "We hope to resolve this situation quickly through constructive dialogue. Our customer deliveries are not affected."

In recent years, there has been recurring social unrest at the Hoegaarden brewery. There was a spontaneous strike in October and a week-long work stoppage last January.