French Prime Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault, has presented PSA CEO, Philippe Varin, with an action plan he would like to see implemented following the announcement of the automaker’s huge restructuring plans.
The PSA chief was summoned yet again to a crunch meeting at the top echelons of French political life ahead of tomorrow’s (25 July) Cabinet meeting to discuss the future of the country’s automotive industry.
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Varin’s latest appearance in the corridors of power follows earlier talks with Economics Redevelopment Minister, Arnaud Montebourg, to address the impact of PSA’s shock decision to cut up to 8,000 jobs in France.
“Monsieur Ayrault met Monsieur Varin yesterday in Paris,” was all a spokeswoman for the French Prime Minister would confirm to just-auto today, although some brief details of the talks have been released by by the PM’s Matignon office.
“This meeting took place ahead of social discussions due on Wednesday, following the announcement of [PSA’s] vast restructuring plan,” said a Matignon statement. “It also follows contacts by the Economics Redevelopment Minister with all parties concerned at the request of the Prime Minister.
“The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to the necessity of an ambitious industrial strategy for the auto industry in which the PSA Group will fully play its part.”
Ayrault listed several points which he insists must be discussed as PSA looks to slash thousands of jobs – including a commitment to helping unemployed workers secure other jobs and the government’s wish for the continuation of an industrial site at the Aulnay factory – slated for closure in the automaker’s plans.
Other key demands include what the Prime Minster terms a “revitalisation” of Rennes regional employment following PSA’s decision to axe 1,400 posts at its plant there, as well as helping sub-contractors and suppliers affected by job reductions at both sites.
“Mindful of the stakes linked to his decision, M. Varin clearly committed himself in front of the Prime Minster, that good social dialogue would lead to measures taking into account the demands of the French President and the government concerning jobs, factories and sub-contractors,” added the Matignon statement.
President Francois Hollande recently declared his “shock” at PSA’s plans, noting they were unacceptable in their current form.
