In his office, Eric Defourny, the manager of the Lunch Garden in Flémalle, is desperately waiting for news on the announced closure. “I learned about it like many people, in the press” comments the manager. “We have phones that don’t stop ringing. It’s distressing, it’s still a second crisis to go through after Covid, and it’s true that psychologically, it’s not easy. There is a ten people who have been working here for a while, I would like to thank them all for the work they have done.”
We are pensioners. It was our little Sunday thing
In the dining room, customers have just learned of the closure announcement. “When I come to Flémalle, we often come to eat with the family, it will be a little strange not to come anymore.” “It’s unfortunate for us who are pensioners. We came here two or three times a week. I’m sad because now we have to look for something else because cooking every day… me, I I’m 88 years old, my wife is 83… and then the employees who lose their jobs… we’ll say that’s life, but no.” “I have a brother who comes and my cousin too every Sunday. We are pensioners. It was our little thing” these customers testify.
For its part, in a letter to staff, management announced that it had “a heavy heart”. And to clarify that no one should learn such news from the media in the first place. By affirming having chosen to speak first with the works council.
-In any case, on Tuesday, all Lunch Gardens risk being closed, permanently or not.
Belgium
