In difficulty, Auchan is preparing to present a vast draft social plan which could threaten around 2,300 jobs

In difficulty for several years, Auchan is preparing to present a vast draft social plan to employee representatives in France. The latter could threaten 2,300 jobs.

Franck Martinaud, FO retail union representative, comments with caution due to lack of official information: “We have already had numerous job protection plans, but none have exceeded 1,000 positions, knowing that figure is enormous.” “I know that we are in a difficult economic period, but to have figures like that…” Fabien Alliata, CFDT central services union delegate, reacted to AFP.

The bad news should come this Tuesday

Representatives of employees from several entities of the distributor were summoned to the social and economic committee (CSE) planned in the Lille region. The objective being to make “an update on the company's situation and its projects”.

For an AFP source who remains anonymous, 2,300 jobs could be threatened, whether in support functions within various headquarters and in stores.

Auchan has been in difficulty for several years, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. “The difficulties of Auchan in France have for years been covered by international activities” estimates Olivier Dauvers, specialist in the mass distribution sector.

Press reports have mentioned in recent days the sale of the Russian subsidiary, which said not to comment “rumors on the market”. Asked by AFP, Auchan management did not wish to comment.

Auchan's market share at the last count was 9.1%, far behind E.Leclerc (24.1%), Carrefour (21.4%), Mousquetaires/Intermarché (17.4%) and Coopérative U ( 12.2%). Another weak point for Auchan: the group has focused on the format of hypermarkets, the largest stores, but this is less popular today.