ian Coca-Cola workers took to the streets of Anderlecht over the weekend to protest against the company's plans to centralise its European operations.The 200 Coca-Cola employees who marched outside of company headquarters in Anderlecht say that they are positioning themselves against the "aggressive savings" policy which is being undertaken by the drinks giant across Europe.
Earlier this year four Coca-Cola plants were closed in Spain.
In a statement issued last December, Coca-Cola Iberian Partners said the restructuring aimed to integrate separate business structures, allowing the company to operate as a "more agile, efficient and competitive company." In addition, it said that "internal relocations or early retirements will be offered" in an attempt to reduce the overall amount of redundancies.
Reports in Belgian media outlets say that before the end of 2014 the company will make a decision as to whether factories in Genk and Anderlecht will remain operational.
Jeroen Langerock, Coca-Cola Belgium's communication director, has refused to be drawn out on the company's future in Belgium. However, he did say "it is clear that our partners will decide to do sustainable business, especially in a competitive environment, which means that proactive and constructive changes may be required."
