Roughly 10,000 Belgians affected by Thomas Cook’s bankruptcy

After declaring its bankruptcy during the night between Sunday and Monday, the Thomas Cook Group Plc reassures that, for the moment, its activities in Belgium remain operational. The spokesman of the Belgian subsidiary, Leen Sagers, stated: “Two flights left this morning and the signs will open Monday”. It has also been assured that all possibilities are being studied to ensure that the operations at Thomas Cook Belgium can continue.

However, a work council has been scheduled today at the head office of the travel company, in Ghent. The British firm, in fact, employs 600 people in Belgium and has 86 travel agencies around the country.

The syndicalist Katrien Degryse, of SETCa, declared: “We hope to get some answers. The announcement of this bankruptcy is not surprising, but it remains a shock for the staff”. She continues saying that in the last ten years, Thomas Cook has carried out numerous restructurings in Belgium.

Also the Minister of Employment and Economy, Wouter Beke, received the management and the CEO of Thomas Cook Belgium. Jan Dekeyser, the CEO, qualified the encounter as “open and constructive.”

In total, around 10,000 Belgians are affected by the situation of the tour operator. The tourist guides posted abroad are informing them of the situation. Until further notice, the tour operator can not accept any new clients, “as a precaution”, précises the spokesman. The Travel Guarantee Fund has not been activated yet. This will only happen if Thomas Cook will declare bankrupt in Belgium as well. However, at the moment it is not possible to make reservations on their website.