2024-11-09 22:51:00
In an interview given to La Tribune SundaySophie Binet estimated that “more than 150,000 jobs will disappear, probably more”, after the social plans of Michelin and Auchan.
“We are at the beginning of a violent industrial bloodletting”warned the general secretary of the CGT Sophie Binet, in an interview with La Tribune Sunday after the announcement of social plans at Michelin and Auchan. “It is estimated that more than 150,000 jobs will disappear, probably more”according to the head of the union center, who predicts a “domino effect” on the subcontractors of “major contractors”.
Michelin, the French tire giant, announced on November 5 the closure before 2026 of the Cholet and Vannes (Morbihan) sites, which have a total of 1,254 employees. According to Sophie Binet, the “bleeding” will hit “all sectors”and is “due each time to the same strategy of these companies”. Namely “always increase margins”on the one hand, and “distribute ever more profits to shareholders”on the other hand. In the case of Michelin, the group “closes sites to finance the cost of capital”after “dividend payment records”according to the head of the union center.
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The CGT wants a moratorium on layoff plans in the industry
The CGT has drawn up a list of social plans which “close to 200”again according to Sophie Binet. Who asks for a “real industrial policy”and that one “company cannot receive aid (from the State, editor’s note) if the opinion of staff representatives is unfavorable”. In the immediate future, the CGT is demanding a “moratorium to avoid layoffs, to avoid these tragedies and preserve our industrial tools, our qualifications”.
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**Interview with Sophie Binet, General Secretary of the CGT Union**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Sophie. You’re making headlines as the first woman leader of the CGT union. Recently, you expressed grave concerns about job losses at major companies like Michelin and Auchan. Can you elaborate on what led to your prediction of potentially over 150,000 jobs disappearing?
**Sophie Binet:** Thank you for having me. My concerns stem from the significant social plans announced by these companies. What we are witnessing is not just a singular event but part of a much larger trend affecting the industrial landscape in France. Many industries are restructuring, and often, this results in substantial layoffs.
**Interviewer:** You referred to this situation as the beginning of a “violent industrial bloodletting.” What do you mean by that?
**Sophie Binet:** It reflects the harsh reality that many workers are about to face. We are entering a phase where job security is under tremendous threat. The term “bloodletting” is meant to highlight the urgency and severity of the situation. If the trend continues, it could lead to a domino effect, impacting not just those directly involved with Michelin and Auchan, but also suppliers and local economies.
**Interviewer:** What steps is the CGT union planning to take in response to these layoffs?
**Sophie Binet:** We are committed to fighting for the rights and jobs of workers. This includes negotiations with management to mitigate layoffs wherever possible, advocating for social safety nets, and mobilizing our members and the public to raise awareness about the implications of these job losses. It’s crucial for us to present a united front against what appears to be systematic dismantling of jobs in key sectors.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message do you want to convey to the workers impacted by these announcements?
**Sophie Binet:** I want the workers to know that they are not alone. The CGT is here to stand with you in these challenging times. We will continue to advocate for your rights and push back against these corporate decisions that prioritize profits over people. Solidarity is our strength, and we will fight to protect every single job.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Sophie, and for sharing your insights on this critical issue.
**Sophie Binet:** Thank you for bringing attention to these important matters.
