Unions announced after the extraordinary works council of Monday morning that the management of Thomas Cook Belgium said that the company will remain operational.
The British travel group Thomas Cook ceased operations after failed negotiations on additional funds on Sunday. Activities in Belgium will continue for the moment, the company (operating in Belgium under the brands Thomas Cook and Neckermann, Pegase was sold in September 2018) announced early Monday morning.
Thomas Cook customers travel mainly on Brussels Airlines flights. The Belgian airline could be heavily affected if Thomas Cook stops its activities in the country: when Brussels Airlines took over Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium in 2017, it added instantly two Airbus A320 aircraft, 30 leisure destinations and 1 million customers to its portfolio.
The unions heard the same speech at a special works council. “The management has announced that it is doing everything to find solutions and minimise the damage. Thomas Cook Belgium will remain operational,” said Patrick Van Holderbeke, secretary of the ACV-Puls trade union.
However, as a precaution, the company does not accept new bookings. Many questions remain unanswered for unions after the “vague” message from management, says the secretary of the LCA. A second extraordinary works council will follow Monday afternoon, in view of the many questions from the unions.
