Belgium: Haacht brewery announces job cuts

Brewery Haacht’s announcement of job cuts has not come as a surprise to unions ACV and ABVV, The Brussels Times reported on November 21.

The Flemish company from Boortmeerbeek revealed on November 19 that it will cut twenty jobs, including eleven office positions and nine labour roles. Among the labour positions, one job is from a worker who is retiring and will not be replaced.

Six of the twenty job cuts will affect the transport department, specifically drivers of tractors and trailers. The remaining positions are spread across nearly all departments. However, new jobs will also be created, resulting in a net loss of around 14 to 15 positions.

Union representatives, Femke Buys from ACV and Pieter Van Der Elst from ABVV, were not shocked by the announcement. "We knew this would happen," said Van Der Elst. "The brewery has been struggling financially for years."

There is uncertainty about whether this round of layoffs will be sufficient to restore profitability. "We hope these will be the last job cuts," Buys added. "But the beer market is under pressure, and the outlook remains bleak. However, the management has assured us that shareholders still have confidence in the company, which is somewhat reassuring."

Due to the restructuring affecting fewer than thirty employees, there is no need for the implementation of the Renault law on collective redundancies. Brewery Haacht employs approximately 380 people and is known for brands such as Primus and Tongerlo, supplying both hospitality venues and supermarkets.

The management has clarified that the layoffs are part of a strategic plan in response to unfavourable market conditions and changing consumption habits. The company will continue to invest in digitalisation, operational efficiency, and commercial growth, with new vacancies already being advertised.

"It is not an easy decision to part ways with some of our employees. We have not taken this lightly. We are undergoing a transition to prepare the brewery for the future. Savings will be reinvested in the company’s future," stated spokesperson Philippe Michiels.