November 7, 2024 at 2:34 p.m. – Modified: November 7, 2024 at 2:35 p.m. by Dolorès CHARLES
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Credit : Illustration
Concern at Auchan, the mass distribution giant has announced a major social plan and the elimination of 2,300 positions nationally. Over the first six months of 2024, Auchan suffered a net loss of almost one billion euros.
Social plans are continuing in France, after Michelin it is Auchan which this week announced it would cut more than 2,300 positions, or 5% of the workforce. Curious timing when we know that in April, Auchan had cut 98 Casino stores… In the west, Auchan's social plan remains limited, the Auchan stores in Trignac, Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire and Saint-Herblain in Loire-Atlantique are affected with around thirty layoffs.
According to economic specialists, the black streak is not ready to end, companies must readjust their workforce in the face of a significant drop in activity. Particularly at issue: the rise of online shopping and strong competition. With this social plan, Auchan wants to reduce its deficit, which amounts to nearly one billion (981) euros in the first half of 2024, but for Gaëtan Biotteau, CFDT 44 unionized employee at Auchan, this is not the solution. “Auchan is today trying to save its skin, which is why Casino Géant was bought to have a larger purchasing center and negotiate prices to align with the competition…
Management positions concerned
We are of course angry about this, since it's terrible to see families who will find themselves in trouble. But in the Nantes region, we are going to say that we are limiting the damage since it is above all, even if it is unpleasant, management positions which are concerned, and positions of household appliances and IT salesman.
Credit : Luka Pambour
No strike action is planned, according to Gaetan Biotteau, the time has come for solidarity with the affected colleagues. “There is nothing decided, we have just been informed of this restructuring, then we will discuss…
No strike for now
In any case, the CFDT will focus on solidarity: will commit to being alongside the 30 colleagues affected, because there are people from management but also employees in household appliances and IT. The CFT will support them so that their retraining or relocation within the company is done as best as possible. and that they live it as best as possible. We will of course fight if the company continues to make these bad choices, but that will be in a second phase.”
Credit : Luka Pambour
Despite this drastic social plan, trade unionist Gaetan Biotteau remains confident. “The choices are made so that we get through it, and continue to survive. It's a corporate restructuring, so we hope we'll come out on top.. We, at the CFDT, are going to fight and take a closer look. We are here to alert and not be afraid to walk out or hold demonstrations if management continues to make choices that seem to us to be off the mark and that cause our colleagues to suffer these types of problems, it is up to us to say positions deleted… But I personally have confidence, we will get through this…” The management of the three Loire-Atlantique stores did not wish to comment.
Credit : Luka Pambour
The distribution giant employs around 54,000 people in France.
Tuesday, Prime Minister Michel Barnier said he wanted to know “what the Auchan and Michelin groups had done with the public money given”.
