EFE.- The French Government anticipates announcements of thousands of job cuts in the coming weeks and months, such as those presented this week by Auchan or Michelin, especially in industrial sectors subject to strong international competition such as the automobile.
The announcement was made this Saturday by the Minister of Industry, Marc Ferracci, who in an interview with the France Inter radio station recognized that there are sectors in difficulty that are experiencing competition from the United States and China that “is not equitable” for the subsidies that companies receive there.
“There will be plant closures in the coming weeks,” admitted the minister. When asked how many jobs could disappear, he responded that he cannot give figures because they are going to try to discuss with companies about alternatives to closures, such as potential buyers, or solutions for workers.
However, he said that “there will be thousands of jobs.”
This week the tire manufacturer Michelin indicated that it is going to close two of its French factories, those in Cholet and Vannes, where 1,254 people work, essentially due to competition from cheaper Asian-made tires, which have conquered a significant portion of the market in Europe.
In addition, the Auchan distribution group announced a social plan that will see the disappearance of 2,400 of its more than 53,000 jobs in France.
Ferracci was yesterday at the Michelin plant in Cholet, where he was booed during part of his visit.
The head of industry explained that the reason for this displacement was to organize a monitoring committee that must guarantee that the company meets the commitments it has set, and in particular conditions so that as many jobs can be created in the region as those who are leaving. to destroy.
Beyond that particular case, Ferracci said that the automobile sector needs a response at European level and that his Government is developing a series of proposals that will represent “a European approach for the automobile industry.”
Among these proposals, they are considering the implementation of “an ecological premium on a European scale” to stimulate car sales that have been reduced in recent months.
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