It is a “boo” of relief for the 870 employees of the Blanquefort Ford factory. In a highly anticipated decision, the prefecture of Gironde said Monday night she was refusing the plan for safeguarding employment (PSE) filed on December 21 last year by the American manufacturer.
The administration justifies its refusal to homologate the procedure by pointing out “the non-conformity of the procedure with regard to the expected elements of rights”. This decision is a decisive step for the emblematic industrial site of Gironde with 870 jobs, clinging to the hope of a recovery.
This postponement gives a break to the plan to buy the company by Punch-Powerglide. In December, Ford refused the offer formulated by the Franco-Belgian company based in Strasbourg, which triggers anger of the unions and the state . The recovery project was indeed supported from all sides, including by the region of New Aquitaine which had committed to provide financial support of 15 million euros. Punch had obtained social concessions from employees of Ford Blanquefort . The recovery project involved 400 jobs.
15 days respite
Questioned by AFP, Ford was content to take “act of the decision of the Dirrecte (the Directorate of Labor which has notified its refusal of validation) on the social level submitted by Ford Aquitaine Industries”. According to a government source, the decision leaves Punch a fortnight to “beef up its takeover offer”. This will include producing letters of intent (orders) from manufacturers.
Philippe Poutou, CGT delegate from Ford, welcomed Monday evening a “good news”. This “will force Ford to review its copy and to study more seriously the plan for recovery by Punch defended by employees.” “It gives us a few more weeks to enhance the chances of saving the plant,” he added. The American manufacturer, who announced nearly a year ago its willingness to withdraw from the gearbox plant established in 1972.
Source: AFP