The restructuring events database contains factsheets with data on large-scale restructuring events reported in the principal national media and company websites in each EU Member State. This database was created in 2002.
Manufacturing Manufacture Of Computer, Electrical Electronic And Optical Products Manufacture Of Electrical Equipment 27.2 - Manufacture of batteries and accumulators
296 jobs Number of planned job losses
Announcement Date
9 December 2011
Employment effect (start)
1 June 2012
Foreseen end date
31 December 2012
Description
Duracell, a battery brand and member of the Procter & Gamble group, announced the relocalisation of its site in Aarschot (Flanders) affecting some 750 employees. 296 jobs will be lost here within the next two years. This does not include employees on fixed-term contracts.
It is reported that trade unions were expecting austerity measures, but were surprised by the extent of the envisioned restructuring. They will organize staff meetings until the end of the week, where measures and actions against the management decision will be discussed. Moreover, trade unions will inform employees about the ‘Renault procedure', which is a period of two months during which trade unions and the employer discuss every aspect of a restructuring plan.
The management is reported to want to avoid forced redundancies.
The Belgium government had not yet commented on the case.
Sources
9 December 2011: Le Soir
12 December 2011: Nieuwsblad
Citation
Eurofound (2011), Duracell, Relocation in Belgium, factsheet number 72873, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/72873.
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