Yesterday saw the opening meeting for the procedure covering the social part of the planned transformation of the Aluminium Dunkerque plant organisation. At this meeting, employee representatives were presented with the social measures of the transformation project, which are listed on page 2.
The methods agreement signed by the 4 trade unions and senior management provides for these social measures to be negotiated at 3 meetings scheduled for 2, 16 July and 28 August 2014.
By signing this agreement, the trade unions and senior management have made a commitment to each other and to employees to ensure real and responsible industrial relations dialogue around this project. Senior management’s choice of an exclusively voluntary departure scheme rather than a compulsory lay-offs also reflects this commitment.
At forthcoming negotiation meetings, the trade unions and senior management plan to continue working to improve the voluntary departure measures to support employees interested in internal or external mobility.
These measures will become final at the end of the negotiations, subject to a majority agreement resulting from ongoing industrial relations dialogue and the site’s operational stability guaranteeing the safety of people and facilities as well as service to our customers.
In the absence of a majority agreement, the measures presented to the Works Committee in the social part could not be improved and will therefore be included in the final document to be submitted for approval by the DIRECCTE.
In this context of negotiation, senior management wishes to emphasise that the June 2nd ultimatum announced by one trade union organisation runs counter to the methods agreement signed by all the trade union organisations for permanent and responsible industrial relations dialogue. Senior management has, however, taken note of the commitment that, in the event of a strike, safety picket lines will be respected to guarantee the safety of employees and facilities, and to protect the environment. It also noted the guarantee that the free movement of goods and people would be maintained.
Senior management confirms its willingness to engage in industrial relations dialogue and remains convinced of the spirit of responsibility of employees and staff representatives in carrying out this gradual transformation of the organisation necessary for the future of the site.
We understand the concerns that this period of transition and change may generate, and we assure you that we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact.
