Should we work on a European industrial strategy, as advocated by the Delegate Minister of Industry, Marc Ferracci? Or rather hold companies that have received public aid accountable, as suggested by Sophie Binet and Marylise Léon, general secretaries of the CGT and the CFDT respectively? Should the State block the approval of certain social plans, as François Ruffin, deputy for the Somme, maintains?
The cascading announcement, since November 5, of the closure of two Michelin factories in Cholet (Maine and Loire) and Vannes – that is, 1,254 employees –, of a social plan in Auchan, which is preparing to eliminate 2,389 job, and then the bankruptcy of the chemical Vencorex, which threatens about 500 jobs, generated a wave of concern in the country. At the end of this dark week, political leaders and union members wonder what answers should be given to avoid hemorrhaging on the social front.
Because, judging by the facts, no one seems to have any illusions. During the three years that followed the Covid-19 pandemic, companies, helped by the loan guaranteed by the State, the various aid granted during the lockdowns and the relative good health of the economy at the time, hired a lot and few licenses. .
But now the horizon is darkening and difficulties are piling up. “There will likely be announcements of site closures in the coming weeks and months”declared Ferracci, on Saturday, November 9, on France Inter, referring to the possible destruction of “thousands of jobs.” “We are at the beginning of violent industrial bloodshed”continued the next day Mme Binet, from the CGT, in the weekly Sunday’s Tribunequestioning the desire of companies to “always increase margins” and of “distribute more and more profits to shareholders”.
The confederation has already drawn up a list of social plans in preparation, “which is close to 200”he assures. The union confederation called for a day of mobilizations in all regions on December 12. METROme Binet also wishes “that a company cannot receive state aid if the opinion of the staff representatives is unfavorable”. A point at which Mme Léon, his CFDT counterpart, agrees. “It seems strange to me that the State does not know what the aid is intended for: we are talking about hundreds of millions of euros.” declared to Franceinfo on Friday, November 8. These statements were received quite warmly by Mr. Ferracci. “If aid is not effective overall, then it should be stopped.” admitted to France Inter.
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