Type
Relocation
Country
Belgium
Region
Vlaams Gewest; Prov. Antwerpen; Arr. Mechelen
Location of affected unit(s)
Puurs
Sector
Wholesale / Retail
Retail trade
Retail sale of other goods, except motor vehicles and motorcycles
47.71 - Retail sale of clothing

162 jobs
Number of planned job losses
Job loss
Announcement Date
16 February 2016
Employment effect (start)
Foreseen end date

Description

On 16 October 2015, H&M initiated a collective dismissal procedure for its distribution centre in Puurs. The company is intending to centralise distribution activities at its Ghlin facility opened in 2012. The establishment in Puurs employs 162 but only about 5 employees have a right to early retirement. Because the Puurs facility is part of the main H&M company employing 2,536 employees in total in Belgium, it cannot be recognized as a restructuring company and cannot therefore use the system of reduced early retirement age. Staff have recently voted (67%) to reject  the social plan on offer and have gone on strike.


Sources

  • 16 February 2016: De Standaard
  • 16 February 2016: De Tijd

Citation

Eurofound (2016), H&M Distributiecentrum, Relocation in Belgium, factsheet number 86534, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/86534.