Workers at Bridgestone participate in a vote regarding the conclusive proposal for the company's planned Employee Termination Scheme (ERE)
Shit, Here's the Deal:
workers at Bridgestone plants in Basauri and Puente San Miguel are about to make a life-changing decision this Friday. They'll vote on the company's latest proposals regarding layoffs, a choice that could secure their future or send them packing.
The question on the table is simple: accept or reject Bridgestone's offer on ERE (Expediente de Regulación de Empleo) conditions. This vote, organized by the unions, might shake things up at both work centers.
Voting is proceeding smoothly at Basauri, with polls opening at 5:30 AM and closing at 10:00 PM Friday. The management's latest proposal has slightly eased the initial layoff numbers. The new figure for Basauri stands at 232, down from 335, while Puente San Miguel will see 188 workers let go, a decrease from the initially proposed 211. The total proposed layoffs are now 420, a reduction from 546.
Breaking it Down:
Bridgestone has also made improvements to its initial proposal regarding early retirements and severance pay for forced dismissals, as well as commitments to Basauri's workload.
For workers turning 55 by June 30, Bridgestone offers an early retirement package with an 80% net salary and a 2% annual revaluation until they reach 64. The company has also proposed a severance pay of 45 days per year worked with no cap on years for forced dismissals, a measure that would apply to voluntary departures along with a 30,000 euro economic incentive.
The company is also planning to increase production and expand the product range at Basauri, and has other actions lined up for the Puente San Miguel factory.
Company-side Moves:
If the workers approve these terms, the unions will have to decide whether to accept or reject an ERE agreement. They'llcommunicate their stance to the company at a meeting scheduled for next Monday, May 19.
The unions CC.OO., UGT, and BUP have promised to respect the workforce's decision. The ELA union, however, question the management of the company voting in the referendum at the Basauri plant and has stated it won't sign the agreement if it's approved.
In Puente San Miguel, the SITB union has already rejected the agreement with the company, expressing concern about the agreement's ambiguity regarding the plants' future.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, and let's hope these workers get a fair shake.
The average worker at Bridgestone plants in Basauri and Puente San Miguel, facing a decisive vote this Friday, may be influenced by the company's latest finance-related proposals, which include improved early retirement packages, increased severance pay, and a commitment to business expansion at Basauri. If accepted, these business decisions could potentially affect the ERE agreement negotiations with the unions. Meanwhile, unions at Puente San Miguel have already rejected the agreement, voicing concerns about the agreement's ambiguity regarding the plants' future.
){kind=link}