Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Around 220 former employees of bankrupt auto glass maker Soliver attended a job fair in Ghent this morning to explore new employment opportunities.
Early in July, the company was deemed bankrupt. More than 1,200 people lost their jobs when its two East Flemish and one West Flemish facilities closed.
Approximately 220 job positions from 33 firms were made available to all former Soliver employees who have not yet found another job.
About 800 jobs were lost at the Soliver auto glass factory in Zwijnaarde (Ghent) and Evergem when it went bankrupt. More than 400 jobs were lost as a result of Soliver’s earlier closure of its Rumbeke (Roeselare) facility.
Approximately 50% of people who lost their jobs have since found new jobs. One in three former workers in East Flanders have secured new employment.
A job fair was held at the Ghent office of the bankrupt company to help the employees of the glass manufacturer with their next steps towards employment. Voka East Flanders and Unizo East Flanders made this possible in cooperation with the VDAB (Flemish Employment and Vocational Training Service) and the city of Ghent.
At the job fair, 33 companies offered approximately 220 vacancies.
“And it’s a wide range of jobs,”
says Freddy Van Malderen, director of VDAB East Flanders.
“They’re primarily looking for maintenance technicians, operators, and logistics workers, but also bus drivers, shop assistants, and administrative staff.”
The VDAB is pleased with the turnout.
“Job seekers could practically apply immediately,”
says Sofie Smagghe of VDAB East Flanders.
“Companies posted their vacancies there, and there were introductory interviews with potential candidates. And some companies even scheduled a second interview.”
For other job seekers, it’s still a matter of searching and exploring.
“They’re wondering what’s still possible for them,”
Smagghe continues.
“That’s why they’re also looking for general information. With us, they could find general information about their careers and training programs. Because among those who lose their jobs, there are always those who start thinking about taking a different path. And in that case, training in a different sector can also offer many opportunities.”
How can workers from displaced Soliver apply for unemployment benefits?
Workers need to be unemployed having a valid reason behind doing so (e.g., bankruptcy of the company) and have acquired the proper wages or hours to qualify for a benefit based on the state “base period”.
Then they will need to register at the appropriate employment office (VDAB for Flanders in Belgium) or the responsible department of the State Labor Department/office managing unemployment benefits.
Claim for unemployment benefits online, by phone, or in-person at the employment office. Documents that may be needed will be proof of previous employment, ID, and proof of residence. During employment and benefits, the workers must have valid work authorization. A non-citizen may also have to provide documentation regarding their legal status.
