Belga Share – Antwerp Maersk employees strike over Danish shipping company’s end to remote working
Antwerp Maersk employees strike over Danish shipping company’s end to remote working
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Belgian employees of the Danish container shipping company A.P. Møller-Maersk are stopping work on Thursday morning. The workers are striking because the logistics company plans to cease its existing remote working arrangements worldwide from 1 January 2027, reports the socialist trade union BBTK.
At the offices of the large container shipping company in Antwerp around one hundred people work. Union representative Joost Lestabel (BBTK) expects nearly all clerical staff to strike on Wednesday.
After the pandemic, Belgian employees of the Danish firm were given the opportunity to work from home up to three days a week. From next year, this system will be overhauled. A.P. Møller-Maersk’s measure applies not only to our country but to all its offices worldwide.
Given the traffic congestion around Antwerp, employees are not keen to commute five days a week again. “The staff were willing to make concessions, but five days is too much,” said representative Joost Lestabel. “Unfortunately, the management in Antwerp does not share their reasoning; normally, the local management is an ally in such matters.”
What particularly irritates the unions is that management already knows some staff will leave once the measure is implemented. According to management, these employees would not have the right “Maersk DNA.”
“That struck a very sensitive nerve,” believes Lestabel. “The people in Antwerp are very productive. It shows how little understanding there is of the staff’s concerns. That’s why they will send a strong message today/Thursday.”
The staff do not believe that less remote working would significantly impact efficiency. Since Maersk employees already frequently collaborate digitally with colleagues in, for example, Germany or Poland, they see little difference whether such meetings are held at home or in the office.
A spokesperson for Maersk in Denmark stated that they are “aware that a strike is taking place”. “We are preparing for it and respect the right of employees to strike.” No further information was provided. It is unclear whether discussions are planned with the union.
“Remote working at Maersk is not a privilege but a benefit that has proven itself over the years,” concludes Lestabel. “It contributes to an efficient organisation, less stress, and a better work-life balance.”
The actions will take place on Thursday until midday. The union has also scheduled actions for Tuesday, 13 October.
The initial translation of this content was generated by AI. All facts, context, and language have subsequently been verified and validated by a human editorial team.
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