Alcampo offers to reduce the number of layoffs by 130 in exchange for extending the opening format to seven days in several centers.

Alcampo has proposed to union representatives a reduction in the number of layoffs under the Redundancy Plan (ERE) by up to 130 people, through a change in store format to a seven-day format in several stores initially scheduled for closure, as well as through relocations to other stores, offering available vacancies, according to union sources.

In this way, the food distribution group would reduce the number of workers affected by the ERE to 580, which initially amounted to 710.

The company and unions held their fifth meeting of the ERE negotiating table, in which they "have once again brought their positions closer together," the Independent Trade Union Confederation Fetico stated in a statement. However, it considered that they are still "far from the desired agreement for the workers affected by this ERE."

For its part, the CCOO has pointed out that the union has insisted that "there must be a greater reduction in layoffs , especially in those stores where the company claims oversizing, since the proposed number of layoffs could generate serious operational problems."

Likewise, at this meeting, Alcampo proposed extending severance pay coverage under the ERE to the age of 63 and paying 27 days' severance pay per year worked, with a cap of 15 monthly payments.

Regarding compensation for part-time work, the unions have requested an additional €3,000 for those who voluntarily agree to change their full-time work schedule to part-time to fill vacancies.

Furthermore, the maximum number of people affected by the plan who are 50 years of age or older has been limited to 200, thus accepting Fetico's proposal to protect this group. The government has also approved the exclusion of pregnant women and people with reduced working hours, establishing a maximum percentage of those affected for these groups.

Alcampo announced the implementation of a restructuring plan with the closure of up to 25 supermarkets in Spain and the layoff of 710 employees, representing 3% of the workforce of approximately 23,300 workers.

With the aim of "increasing Alcampo's proximity to its customers," the company acquired a portfolio of 224 supermarkets in 2023 , despite the fact that some of them did not fit its model, were in an undesirable location, or had an excessive effort rate.

"In this transformation process, it is essential to recover results and ensure sustainable growth in each and every store. That is why Alcampo is implementing a workforce reduction plan, a decision that, although difficult, is responsible and necessary ," the company stated.

The company told Europa Press that the number of affected establishments amounts to 152, of which 25 will be closed , although the final number has not yet been set, and the rest will be affected by staffing cuts.

EP