Wage watchers: how much does a supermarket employee earn?

Supermarket checkout assistant Els Du Bin, 33, from Mechelen talks about what she earns and how she spends it

What do you do for a living?

I have been working at Delhaize for 14 years. These days I’m at the checkout in the Mechelen branch, because it suits my time-credit arrangement. During my career at Delhaize I have done different types of work: I have worked in the fruit and veg aisle, at the meat counter and the bakery, and I have stacked shelves. We are required to be flexible, so it is sometimes the case that as well as being on the checkout, I will perform other tasks. It makes work more varied.

Do you enjoy your work?

Yes I do; after all I’ve been here for 14 years. The contact with people motivates me most. There are many customers from the vicinity who I know personally. Then there are the colleagues who I’ve known for years and with whom I have a strong bond. It makes for a pleasant atmosphere at work. At first I used to dream of being a clothes saleswoman, but the hours are much worse in that line of work.

How many hours a week do you work?

I have a 30-hours-a-week contract, but at the moment I have a time-credit arrangement. So now I work 18 hours a week and keep a large chunk of my salary. This type of arrangement is especially handy when you have children to look after. I spread my 18 hours over four days: two days of four hours and two days of five hours, or three days of four hours and one of six hours.

What do you think of your salary?

My gross salary is €1,150 a month, and I take home €970. With my time-credit arrangement I almost take home my gross salary. Considering that I only work 18 hours a week, I am very happy with what I earn.

What do you gladly pay for?

Mostly things that make my children happy, such as games. And I also enjoy doing a spot of shopping myself.

Are you more careful with your money because of the economic crisis?

Not particularly, but if I compare with before the crisis, I notice that we now buy cheaper foods.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I would embark on a big trip around Africa, and I would finish off the work on our house, which we are currently building.

(mr)