The closure of the site in Nivelles of the logistics group Kuehne+Nagel is hampering the activities of the Carrefour franchisees. They fear, among other things, a loss of turnover. That says the Professional Association of Independent Food Shops (Aplsia) Monday.
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On Wednesday, Kuehne+Nagel announced its intention to close the site in Nivelles, leading to the collective redundancy of staff and that of transporter Supertransport. The unions accused the management of sabotage of the site in Nivelles in favor of the Flemish sites of Kontich and Kampenhout, which would take over the activities of Nivelles, and went on strike. Carrefour is the logistics group’s only customer.
The professional association Aplsia, which represents the franchisees, is receiving ‘a growing number’ of testimonials from self-employed people who fear loss of turnover and image, she said in a statement. The Nivelles site is responsible for the franchisees’ fresh produce and grocery departments. But customers are currently faced with empty shelves in the Carrefour supermarkets here and there.
Lack of communication
“The closure of one of the supplier’s logistics centers has a major impact on the viability of the group’s franchisees,” said Aplsia. “They also regret the total lack of communication” from Carrefour. Aplsia, pointing out that Carrefour has a duty to ensure the supply of the franchises, calls on the group to show the necessary sense of responsibility.
Franchisees represent 90 percent of Carrefour stores and more than half of the group’s turnover (Carrefour Express, Carrefour Market, Carrefour Express Orange).
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