Retail sector workers will gather on Monday outside the offices of the Employment Department in Brussels to protest against worsening working conditions and the lack of dialogue with employers, according to the Setca-CNE-CGSLB joint union front.
The unions say they have long demanded a roundtable discussion with employers about the future of the retail sector. However, employers consistently refuse to engage, they claim, adding that the Arizona government’s policies have worsened the situation.
Key issues include the annualisation of working hours, extended shop opening times, and Sunday work. Other grievances involve low wages, changes to unemployment benefits, increased overtime, and challenges in balancing work and personal life.
“The unions are demanding a roundtable to discuss the future of retail, but employers continue to refuse,” the joint union front stated, citing the rise of e-commerce, cross-border trading, and franchising as reasons why social dialogue must lead to fair and harmonised solutions.
The protest is scheduled for Monday, 16 June, from 11:00 am at the Employment Department, Victor Horta Square, near the Midi train station.
