On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Aldi’s plans to open stores on Sundays in Belgium have triggered widespread labor unrest, with spontaneous strikes erupting across multiple locations in Flanders, and Wallonia. The discount retailer confirmed We see exploring Sunday openings as part of its operational strategy, following similar moves by competitors like Carrefour, which secured a union agreement to open 83 integrated stores—including 40 hypermarkets—starting January 18, 2026.
Union representatives from ACV Puls emphasized that Sunday function must remain strictly voluntary and accompanied by proper compensation, warning that any expansion of weekend trading hours risks infringing on employees’ personal lives. The backlash intensified after Aldi’s initial consultations with labor unions escalated, leading to walkouts at two stores and spontaneous strikes in approximately 20 supermarkets across Flanders.
In Erpe-Mere, workers staged a protest outside an Aldi location, declaring the push for Sunday openings “an attack on our private life,” reflecting broader concerns about work-life balance in the retail sector. Meanwhile, Aldi’s actions have increased competitive pressure on rivals such as Colruyt, which continues to uphold its traditional closing policy on Sundays despite mounting industry shifts.
The developments underscore the growing tension between retail expansion efforts and labor rights in Belgium, where Sunday trading regulations remain a contentious issue. As major chains navigate union negotiations and public sentiment, the outcome could influence future labor policies across the European retail landscape.
