Strikes in Ghent Lead to Significant Revenue Losses for Local Businesses
Business owners report revenue declines of up to 50% during strikes, raising concerns over economic sustainability.
GHENT – Recent strikes in the vicinity of Gent-Sint-Pieters station have severely impacted local businesses, with owners reporting revenue losses ranging from 10% to 50%.
Establishments such as Traiteur Toulouse, owned by Frode Lefevre, and Bakkerij De Panda, led by Kim Van Den Noortgaete, have expressed concern over the decreased foot traffic associated with public transport disruptions due to the strikes.
Frode Lefevre noted that his food establishment experiences a significant drop in customers on strike days, particularly those who commute and typically purchase lunch.
He has adjusted staffing levels and monitored expenditures more closely in response to these declines.
Kim Van Den Noortgaete highlighted similar impacts at her bakery, indicating that a complete halt of public transport could result in revenue falling to half of normal levels.
In extreme cases, she may be compelled to temporarily close her business if the situation deteriorates further, as the essential commuter base largely diminishes in circumstances involving widespread labor actions.
The effects of the strikes are notable, particularly on food and retail businesses that depend on the transit patterns of daily commuters.
Katia Housiaux from a local lingerie store, Herela, pointed out that strikes deter not only train passengers but also local shoppers who are hesitant to navigate the city by car, fearing traffic disruptions.
Responses from businesses varied; while many reported losses during strikes, some expressed that ongoing construction around the tram lines has already accustomed them to diminished customer flow, indicating that the impacts of strikes might not significantly alter their already strained operations.
An employee from a nearby bookstore mentioned a recent decrease in customers but was uncertain whether this was directly attributable to the strikes or other factors affecting retail patterns.
Business owners shared diverse viewpoints, with some questioning whether strikes effectively convey their message to relevant authorities.
Van Den Noortgaete raised concerns regarding the broader sectors struggling more than those represented by striking workers, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
Frode Lefevre acknowledged the necessity of workers’ rights while recognizing the challenges that strikes pose to his business.
Housiaux echoed this sentiment, indicating a lack of understanding towards the strikes as they affect all businesses, not just those participating in labor actions.
The issue of strikes alongside ongoing social and economic pressures raises questions about the sustainability of local businesses and their ability to navigate the evolving landscape of labor actions and public transport disruptions.
Establishments such as Traiteur Toulouse, owned by Frode Lefevre, and Bakkerij De Panda, led by Kim Van Den Noortgaete, have expressed concern over the decreased foot traffic associated with public transport disruptions due to the strikes.
Frode Lefevre noted that his food establishment experiences a significant drop in customers on strike days, particularly those who commute and typically purchase lunch.
He has adjusted staffing levels and monitored expenditures more closely in response to these declines.
Kim Van Den Noortgaete highlighted similar impacts at her bakery, indicating that a complete halt of public transport could result in revenue falling to half of normal levels.
In extreme cases, she may be compelled to temporarily close her business if the situation deteriorates further, as the essential commuter base largely diminishes in circumstances involving widespread labor actions.
The effects of the strikes are notable, particularly on food and retail businesses that depend on the transit patterns of daily commuters.
Katia Housiaux from a local lingerie store, Herela, pointed out that strikes deter not only train passengers but also local shoppers who are hesitant to navigate the city by car, fearing traffic disruptions.
Responses from businesses varied; while many reported losses during strikes, some expressed that ongoing construction around the tram lines has already accustomed them to diminished customer flow, indicating that the impacts of strikes might not significantly alter their already strained operations.
An employee from a nearby bookstore mentioned a recent decrease in customers but was uncertain whether this was directly attributable to the strikes or other factors affecting retail patterns.
Business owners shared diverse viewpoints, with some questioning whether strikes effectively convey their message to relevant authorities.
Van Den Noortgaete raised concerns regarding the broader sectors struggling more than those represented by striking workers, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
Frode Lefevre acknowledged the necessity of workers’ rights while recognizing the challenges that strikes pose to his business.
Housiaux echoed this sentiment, indicating a lack of understanding towards the strikes as they affect all businesses, not just those participating in labor actions.
The issue of strikes alongside ongoing social and economic pressures raises questions about the sustainability of local businesses and their ability to navigate the evolving landscape of labor actions and public transport disruptions.
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