The European Union has come to the aid of hundreds of redundant Aldi workers, who have found themselves without a job as a result of the closure of Aldi supermarkets around Greece. The decision, made on Monday by Members of the European Parliament, was given the go ahead after an application was made by the government to help the 642 former Aldi employees.

The total estimated cost of the package is 4.4m euros, of which 2.9m will come from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The discount German supermarket will close all 38 stores in Greece, after only two years since opening its first outlet. The help comes from a commitment made by the Committee of Budgets of the European Parliament to support workers who have lost their jobs in Ireland, Austria and Greece.

The EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor said: “Greek workers are going through a difficult period and we must use all the tools we have at our disposal to provide assistance.” “The money we have proposed from the EGF would help workers made redundant by Aldi in Greece to find a new job easier and faster,” he said.

Source: Athens News