Belfius closes 23 branches in Flanders

During a works council, Belfius unions learned that the employee network of the bank would be cut off.one-sixth of his size, which represents about twenty agencies. All closures concern the Flemish Region.

"The direction has announced the closure of 23 agencies and the merger of two groups of agencies", says Pierre Verelst of the CNE. "The Belfius network under its own management will grow from 154 to 130 branches."

This operation will affect 35 full-time equivalents Belfius bank, it is said of union voice. The reduction will be made via natural departures, while some people could be redeployed, but without management guarantee, says a representative.

"We are talking about the removal of 35 functions", specifies the direction of Belfius."This is not a restructuring plan. No dry dismissal will take place."The public company is currently communicating its decision to the concerned offices."It is very small agenciesthose that are only accessible by appointment or a limited number of hours per week."

To explain its decision, Belfius mentions the progress of digital solutions. "These agencies are less and less frequented. Customers make maximum use of digital. They only move to get credit or for specific advice."

The management also recalls that Belfius still has a large physical network, with 638 agencies opened on June 30th. "The network remains paramount, we are an omnichannel bancassurer, but we must also follow the behavior of the customers."

The closure of agencies was feared by the unions, it is now confirmed. "We were expecting closures, but we are angry", says a delegate.The workload is huge! Thirty-five full-time equivalents will disappear while the staff is already exhausted!"

Brussels and Wallonia are spared by the decision. "Fortunately, several agencies had to close last year in the south of the country"recalls a representative.

Management indicates that these closures expected to begin in April 2020 and extend over the whole year.