a first Belgian company declares that it wants to use the new temporary unemployment scheme in the context of the crisis

Published on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 8:12 p.m.

Par Sudinfo with Belga

The Genk plant of the stainless steel group Aperam is the first Belgian company to declare that it wants to use the new temporary unemployment scheme in the context of the energy crisis.

This is what De Standaard writes on its website on Friday evening. Announced last week, this federal measure will be introduced on October 1.

The management of the company made this request following the complete closure of the factory from October 28 to November 2. With temporary unemployment due to the energy crisis, unemployment benefits are slightly higher. The workers concerned will then receive 70% instead of 65% of their salary, plus a supplement from the employer.

Unions fear this could be the start of a series of closures. Aperam has already decided to cut stainless steel production at its Limburg plant at the end of August. Since then, about half of the approximately 900 workers have been laid off.