Lubrizol France Postpones Social Plan Implementation at Its Rouen and Le Havre Locations Indefinitely
Revamped Rubizol Revelation
Here's a fresh take on the recent switcheroo at Rubizol France, a chemical additive powerhouse. On Monday, May 5, they dropped a bombshell: they're axing their contentious social plan that threatened over a hundred jobs at their Rouen and Le Havre sites.
"Rubizol'sChatty Cathy to CSE and employees at the Rouen and Le Havre digs, they're chucking the ongoing consultation process about their jiggaboo," the company declared in a cheeky statement. "What's the deal here?," they added, "well, the global supply chain context has gone to pot in a shaky economic environment, with costs and raw materials running wild – a classic bummer for the entire chemical industry and their clients".
Earlier this year, their job-slashing announcement sent shockwaves through the company, igniting heated protests from workers and local officials, including Rouen's Socialist Mayor, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol.
"Grim faces soften, but worry lingers"
Rubizol initially justified the restructuring plan as a necessary move to preserve competitiveness, after a dramatic decrease in European demand for additives had caused a 30% drop in production at Rubizol France – quite the rough patch. The company, with a total workforce of 700, now wishes to "securitize the jive" (supply) for their clients.
But let's not forget, the production woes and overcapacity at Rouen and Le Havre remain a thorny issue, emphasizes Nicolas Adam, Rubizol France's big cheese and boss of the Le Havre digs, eager to craft a productive vibe at work.
The employment savings plan (PSE), whittled down from 169 job cuts to 106 following negotiations, is currently in limbo, as are all related measures, confirmed Francis Malandain, Rubizol's CFE-CGC delegate to the French Press Agency. "Good news, but it's bitter-sweet," concedes Malandain, since management refuses to rule out a PSE for the next three years. "We're in the dark, and employees are nervy. Some folks have already latched on to Plan B in their heads", explains the union rep.
Rubizol France pumps out additives for gasoline, diesel, and lubricants for engines and industry at their three French sites in Rouen, Oudalle (Seine-Maritime), and Mourenx (Pyrénées-Atlantiques).
So, what's next for Rubizol in Rouen and Le Havre? As of now, it's tough to predict, but they're probably taking a close look at market conditions and needs before making any major moves. Employees will be keeping a watchful eye on developments – here's to hoping for some good news soon!
Also check out our exclusive article, Five years after the Rubizol plant blast in Rouen, the inquiry still can't pinpoint the fire's genesis, now with AFP!
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Lubrizol, the chemical additive company, has announced a suspension of their employment savings plan (PSE) following public backlash and economic instability.
The PSE, initially planned to cut 169 jobs, has been reduced to 106 but remains uncertain as Rubizol has not ruled out future layoffs in the next three years.
Despite scrapping the controversial social plan, employees remain anxious about job security and future financial stability within the industry.
To safeguard their supply for clients, Lubrizol will likely study market conditions and needs, as they continually adapt to macroeconomic changes affecting their business and the broader industry.
