Lidl Employees Shut Down Belgian Distribution Centers Over "Unbearable" Workload

Employees of Lidl have blocked all five of the discounter’s Belgian distribution centers, effectively halting store deliveries, due to what they describe as an “unbearable” workload. In response, trade unions are demanding a concrete action plan to improve working conditions—warning that strikes could soon spread to the retail stores themselves.

According to Belgian newspaper De Tijd, the following five Lidl distribution centers are currently shut down: Genk, Gullegem, La Louvière, Marche-en-Famenne, and Sint-Niklaas.

Mounting Pressure on Staff and High Turnover

The closures come after long-standing complaints from employees about excessive workloads. According to the unions ACV Puls and CNE, the situation has now reached a breaking point.

The unions say the issue is further worsened by tight schedules and aggressive sales targets, which have led to high staff turnover and increased pressure on the remaining workforce.

Unions Demand Immediate Action

Trade unions are calling on Lidl management to present a detailed improvement plan by next Tuesday at the latest. If the company fails to deliver an adequate proposal, wider strikes in retail stores may follow, the unions warned.

Lidl’s Response

In a brief statement, Lidl expressed disappointment over the timing of the protests, pointing out that a meeting with union representatives was already scheduled for the same day.

The company has not yet publicly responded to the unions’ demands.

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