Code Rood, a climate movement, demonstrated at the Belgian headquarters of Cargill in Mechelen on Sunday to show support for the workers facing job losses.
The protest was sparked by the agribusiness’s plans to cut 164 jobs in Belgium. Around 100 people took part in the demonstration, according to Code Rood, though local police reported around 50 attendees. There were no incidents during the protest.
This weekend’s actions by Code Rood targeted the agro-industry. On Saturday, activists blocked several entrances to Cargill’s facilities in the port of Ghent, resulting in approximately 100 administrative arrests.
Cargill intends to lay off 5% of its workforce worldwide despite making $2.4 billion in profits in 2024, according to the protesters. They argue that such profitable companies should not be cutting jobs. Belgian unions state that 164 of the 1,200 jobs in Belgium are at risk.
Police confirmed that the protest in Mechelen, organised in collaboration with Commune Colère, proceeded without any incidents. “Clear agreements were made with the organisers, and they adhered to them. Everything ran smoothly, and no arrests were made,” said police spokesperson Dirk Van de Sande of the Rivierenland police zone.
Following the protest in Mechelen, the activists travelled by train to Brussels for a ‘Guerilla Conference’ discussing the connections between agricultural, social, and ecological struggles. Jesse Vanacker from Code Rood expressed satisfaction with the weekend’s actions. “We have sent a clear message to the agro-industry and policymakers that the current food system is harmful to farmers, consumers, workers, and the climate,” he said.
