Sophie Binet, general secretary of the CGT, warns of an unprecedented wave of social plans in large French companies. Automotive, aeronautics and mass distribution are particularly affected. The cause, according to her, is the policies of large companies in the face of inflation and insufficient regulation.
Key sectors at risk
In an interview published by The EchoesSophie Binet denounces a worrying situation: nearly 250 social plans are reportedly in preparation, threatening up to 200,000 jobs. These restructurings mainly concern large companies, with cascading effects on subcontractors and temporary workers. Automotive, aerospace and mass distribution appear to be the most affected sectors.
The trade unionist speaks of a real “ industrial bleeding » and a “ tidal wave ” future. Already, last May, 130 social plans threatened 33,000 direct jobs. This figure had jumped to 150,000 in early November, reaching today an alarming forecast of 200,000.
The causes identified by the CGT are multiple, but they all converge towards the responsibility of large companies. Sophie Binet accuses the latter of having taken advantage of inflation to inflate their margins and pay more dividends, to the detriment of investments, wages and consumption. “ This strategy has emptied companies’ order books “, she emphasizes.
Solutions to avoid hemorrhage
Faced with this situation, the general secretary of the CGT is proposing several measures to counter the increase in layoffs. She calls for a strengthening of the Florange law, which requires companies to look for a buyer before any site closure. Currently limited to companies with more than 1,000 employees, this law should, according to her, apply from 50 employees.
Sophie Binet also suggests the establishment of a moratorium on layoffs, while taking time to find recovery solutions. She suggests that Bpifrance be involved as soon as a closure project is mentioned, and that employees can weigh in on decisions related to possible buyers.
In the shorter term, the CGT is campaigning for a return to regulated prices for industrial energy and for better adapted European customs barriers. Finally, the trade unionist calls for “general meetings of the industry” in order to rethink industrial policies in depth.
